The Freewheelers Welcome KJ4LON/AG to the Net (audio/video) Recording

A Freewheeler net rewind of Tony, KJ4LON/AG being welcomed by the Freewheelers.

Watch live streaming video from ke5utn at livestream.com

My Latest Bicycle Fishing Trip: Bicycle Mobile

I took my bicycle mobile to the Ouachita River today. I had 2 meter QSO's with a few people as I made my way there. I had a blast, and documented some of my adventure.


This was near Kings Lake Recreation Area on the Ouachita River, in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.


The temperature got up to 77 and it was super sunny! I fought with the sun to keep from getting burnt.

Northeast Louisiana SkyWarn Activation Report for 2/24/11 (Unofficial)

Thanks to all stations who responded to severe weather Thursday evening. Together, we make our community a safer place.

Thankfully, there were no serious reports of injury or property damage resulting from the squall line that moved through the area around 7:00pm local time..

I did pick up reports of hail and high winds in the area, more notably in the Northwest of my QTH; in Union Parish, as well as Northwest Ouachita Parish.


There were a few reports of temporary power outages in Monroe, and in the Tanglewood Subdivision of Southeast Ouachita Parish. Additionally, WX5CW called in 1.5 inch diameter hail in Homer, LA. This report prompted my opening the SkyWarn Net.


The following Stations checked in to the net:

KE5UTN** (Opened the net NCS) at around 6:00 pm)

KE5ESU KN4OK W5DSG** N5ARM** WX5CW* KF5HLX* KE5OLM KA5JNL KE5DME KB5YEG W5KGT KE5UKG AD5XM WC5M KA5MWB KC5QXW

* = Mobile Storm Spotter

** = Acted as NCS

Thanks to Bob, N5ARM and David, W5DSG for reading the NWS QST’s into the net for me.

I turned the net over to W5DSG at around 7:00pm due to lightning in my area.  I had to disconnect my coax cables and exit my shack.

Goin' Fishin' Bicycle Mobile in Louisiana

Why Ham Radio Endures in a World of Tweets

What is it about a simple microphone, a transmitter-receiver and the seductive freedom of the open radio spectrum that’s turned a low-tech anachronism into an enduring and deeply engaging global hobby?

Click Here to Read the article

My Comments:

The author of the article rightfully points out the lure that keeps amateur radio popular.  I really like the  standards of ham operations... the code I think it was called where he talks about being patriotic, and always ready to help the nation and the community.

I wrote an article that touched on this not to long ago.  You can read it in my archives here.

Me and Mack, KA5JNL went to lunch last week

Mack - KA5JNL and I had a terrific lunch at a local establishment last week after hanging out together for a while.  I decided to preserve the moment with a photograph. 

Mack is a terriffic ham: always willing to help anybody and he's always encouraging the 'better practices' that most veteran hams cherish.   Here's the picture:

W5CCT brings me a little Green Pig

I was pleasantly surprised this past Thursday when Tom, W5CCT told me he was coming over with an amplifier to try out. He brought over an SB-200 with a manual, a dust cover, a foot switch keyer, and the appropriate cables.

Tom gave me an “in-service” as he later described on the Freewheeler’s net and made sure I understood the particulars of the amp’s operation.


I offered to try buying it, but Tom says he doesn’t want to sell… Rats! It’s super clean and works very well with my Butternut HF 2 A with no antenna tuner.


I am so excited and privileged that Tom had the faith and trust in me to allow me to use such a fine piece of equipment.

Thanks Tom, W5CCT.

8 Ideas for Promoting the Amateur Radio Hobby to Youngsters

In a world of cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, amateur radio may seem a little archaic to young people. That said, highlighting ham radios personal, peer to peer, and community benefits can go a long way toward dispelling that attitude.

Nieces & Nephew in my ham shack

While amateur radio technology has evolved over the years (radios have become smaller and new modes have appeared) it’s the old time person to person interaction, and the camaraderie among peers which gives the Amateur radio hobby distinct personal value.


We must capitalize on these characteristics to attract young people. That said, I believe that promoting strictly from a technological perspective is doing the hobby a disservice.


To the point, At public venues like Field Days, the equipment isn’t the only thing the public (young people included) sees. The public (potential hams) also observes interaction between hams. Are the hams excited about their hobby? How do hams interact with each other and the public?


These questions and many others are answered by simple observation. What kinds of answers does your group give?


Keeping the above points in mind, here are some specific ideas for promoting Amateur Radio to young people.


1. Have ARES or Sky Warn / Storm spotter presentations in area schools.


2. During field day, choose a location where young people gather. For example, set up in a park, or near a beach.

3. Many public safety officials are hams. Maybe during public events like field day, the public safety people could be in uniform.


4. Clubs could produce public service announcements (PSA) highlighting activities of current young hams.


5. Community service award(s) could be created and given to deserving young hams. These could be publicized in the newspaper, radio or TV.


6. Create a “Young Amateur” (Y.A.) ARES service badge, to be earned by well deserving licensed youngsters. These might entice their peers to get involved in the hobby. Maybe certain privileges could be paired with the badge, like discounted movie tickets, or discounted skate rentals.


7. Girl/Boy Scouts: They can earn an Amateur Radio Merit Badge. Scouts also have what’s known as “Jamboree on the Air” where licensed scouts and scout leaders let their non-licensed friends get on the air with their counterparts from around the country and the world.

8. Holiday Events can be used to interest youngsters. Show visiting relative's kids around your ham station. This past Christmas Eve, my Nieces and Nephew got to speak with Santa as he flew over Germany!

The ideas I’ve written here are designed to put Amateur Radio on the radar of youth’s who might otherwise have no contact with the hobby what so ever.

Sparking an interest in the hobby is only part of the formula of inducting young people into the hobby, so be prepared and stay on your toes. The Amateur Radio hobby itself is on display through you and your peers. By Observing you, they are forming an opinion that will either promote or discredit the hobby.

Origional Video Shot Last Summer

I did this last summer. I didn't know how much work it was going to be, but It was fun just the same.

For me, It’s called ‘Amateur’ Radio for a Reason

I wanted to get my Amateur Radio lisence, so I studied my butt off for a couple months. I took the exam, and I only missed ONE question!


Let me tell you, I was walking around proudly like the fox that got the hen. Let me tell you, I knew it all… until.


…until I met some of the other amateurs in my area. When listening to the discussions they have speaking of this capacitor and that audio circuit, and the amplifier’s rectified power, I realize that (Compared to them) I am most certainly an Amateur.


Eventually, I got my upgrade to general. I began working most of the HF bands and came to see the value of amplifiers. I realized that on noisy nights, the amplified signals were just about the only ones I could hear; and they couldn’t hear me.


So I started looking at what they cost. I checked ebay and found one I wanted badly. It was, I found out from a friend, an amplifier meant for CB radios.


Then I looked at an ALS-600. It is a fine looking amp, but another friend told me the transistors in them are very expensive, and when one goes bad you have to change them all… about $600. I thought, “Phew! I don’t want one of those”.


The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. I am truly an Amateur, and I find true friendship and value in longtime veterans of the hobby.


This is a call for all you young Amateurs, don’t overlook the older hobbiests because no matter who you are, or what you know, there is always something you can learn from them.

Northeast Louisiana Regional Hamfest... Come one, come all... Lets Have Some Fun!

rd, 2011 for one of the premier Hamfests in the region. Meet friends,

Dealers & Vendors Include:

Signman of Baton Rouge

Palmetto Antennas

More to be announced soon

Forums. . .

Louisiana Contest Club 10:00 AM

ARRL State Convention, 11:00AM

Guest:

Hamfest Grand Prizes

1

2

3

st prize: Icom IC 718 HF Rignd prize: Yaesu FT 7900R Dual Band FM Mobilerd prize: MFJ 259B Antenna Analyzer

Lots of Door prizes

Doors open at 8:00 AM on Saturday

from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Saturday morning at 7:00AM

Dan Henderson, N1ND (Regulatory Information Manager). Must have a Amateur License to win Grand Prizesst prize: Icom IC 718 HF Rignd prize: Yaesu FT 7900R Dual Band FM Mobilerd prize: MFJ 259B Antenna Analyzer, set-up for vendors and flea market on Friday, April 22rd

$5 Entry Fee . .

prize tickets also available for purchase for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5 or 25 for $20

Reserve Your Table Today!!!

Send e-mail to:

Upgrade or Get Your Ham Radio License . . .

Talk-in on 146.85 MHz .

Riverton (Wide Area Coverage) on 147.015; Rayville 145.490; and Ruston 147.120 (tone 98.4)

For additional information visit:

. Tickets available at the door and include a chance at the grand prizes. AdditionalTables are $10 each; electricity is an additional $10.tables@tchams.org, or by mail at: Table sales, PO Box 1871, West Monroe, LA 71294License exams for all classes 9:00AM on Saturdayother popular repeaters include: West Monroe 147.135 MHz (127.3 Hz tone);www.tchams.org

Louisiana State ARRL Convention

Come join us on Saturday, April 23

enjoy great food, see the latest equipment, attend informative forums, or find a great flea market deal!

Take I-20 (Exit 120) then East on Frontage Road just past Sam’s Club aprox. 1 mile.

Look for the Barak Shrine Temple on right.

Is the Ham Radio Hobby going by the Wayside? A Response

I'm reposting a blog entry written by Pete Thompson, KE5GGY.  Link to his blog.

 

As I was reading a recent article about the 'decline of ham radio' the famous quote from Mark Twain came to mind.  Responding to rumors that had circulated regarding his death, Twain is said to have quipped, "The rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated."  

Read the article below and you'll get the feeling that amateur radio is on life support and that it's just a matter of time until father time unplugs a respirator.  
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110123/news/701239880/

So, fellow hams, what's it going to be....plans for a funeral or a plans to reignite the amateur radio/communications hobby?

Just for fun, let's get back to the Daily Herald article and look at the issues that the writer and even some hams are citing as the 'cause of death'.

Hamfest Attendance is Down:    It's true hamfests are not attended at the level they have been in previous years.  However, attendance declines at hamfests is not a problem unique to ham radio.  Because of audience fragmentation, a number of consumer shows across multiple industries are facing attendance challenges.   Talk to promoters of home, car, outdoor and even gun shows and you'll hear that it's becoming more difficult to attract an attendance like they could in 'the good old days'.   And even though 15%  fewer people might be attending a home show, it doesn't mean that consumers are abandoning the housing market.   What we're seeing is a hyper-competitive marketplace that is requiring promoters to embrace different strategies in order to maintain and grow attendance.   For amateur radio events, this will mean not only promoting differently but also changing the agenda of the event to draw new and younger consumers.   This will mean bringing new technology into shows as well as aggressive outreach to teens and even pre-teens. 

Kids & Ham Radio:  Get 'em interested when they're young!


Kids Just Aren't Interested In Ham Radio:   First, see issue of fragmentation above.  If we want to get kids interested we better get off our collective butts and promote to this demographic. Instead of promoting a ham fest by 'word of mouth' or on-the-air, we need to embrace Twitter and other social media.  Instead of promoting ourselves as amateur radio operators, why not position the hobby as amateur and experimental communications?  And let's quit expecting kids to meet us on our turf.  We need to be in the classroom sharing the vision of where ham radio is going in the future.  And, I believe it's essential that we introduce kids to ham radio at a young age.  Instill a interest in amateur communications at a young age and we get a new ham for life.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone:   Many of us have comfort zones in the hobby...areas of operation that consume over 80%  of our time.  Personally, I love 75 meters at night and hang out on 3.916 Mhz 7 nights a week.  However, to take amateur radio 'to the streets' all of us need to make time for learning new aspects of ham radio including new technology that is more likely to be of interest to youth.  Recently, I've been active in Twitter and Facebook and am actually trying to target my blogs, tweets and other communication toward younger people.    Hats off to hams who do demonstrations in schools or are active with Boy Scouts.   More of us need to contribute on this kind of level.

It Starts with Us!   Ham radio's future, to a large degree, will be determined by the rank and file of our membership.  ARRL can lead the way in protecting the spectrum and being a champion of other initiatives, but 'selling' the future of amateur communications to the next generation is our job.   I don't know about you, but I can understand how Mark Twain must have felt when he said, 'The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."   After making the comment, Twain went on to write some of his best works.  How will we respond?

ALC on the ALS-600

Link to ALS-600 on line Manual. 

Here is a breif description of adjusting the ALC on the ALS-600 that I found on the net.  It is more about what it's for than actual adjusting.

"AMERITRON ALS-600 (PDF File) ...The ALC circuit also reduces the drive power if the SWR increases while operating with the ALC controlling the amplifier output power level. The ALS-600 ALC output should be connected to the proper exciter external ALC connection point with a shielded audio type cable.

So, are you supposed to increase the ALC till the output quits rising?  Or are you supposed to increase the ALC until your SWR begins to rise?

Check out the manual link above.

More info about the Amp:

www.lachaussie.net/Manuals/als-600.pdf




The Ameritron ALS-600 is a 600 nominal watt output, solid state, linear amplifier using state-of-the-art, high voltage, RF TMOS FET devices in the power output section. The ALS-600 provides continuous frequency coverage from 1.5 through 22 MHz (160 thru 15 meters) with no tuning adjustments. Broad band 5 pole low pass filters provide output harmonic suppression in excess of all FCC requirements. An AMR-MOD-10MB modification kit is available to extend operation up to 30 MHz with a copy of a valid amateur license.

The ALS-600 uses four MRF-150 FET's operating at 50 volts in a double ended pushpull parallel output configuration. High quality RF components combine with an accurate peak detecting directional coupler, front panel adjustable ALC circuit with automatic SWR foldback, and one switch frequency selection to make this one of the easiest to operate amplifiers available. The matching separate power supply, ALS-600PS, is shipped factory wired for 120 volt, 50/60 Hz power mains and is easily converted to other supply voltages between 100 and 240 volts.