KA5JNL Mack's Bear in the Smoky Mountains

Mack, KA5JNL, took this picture while on vacation in Smoky Mountains.

He said he saw many bears on this trip, a Male who e estimated to be at least 800Lbs, and a momma (with her cubs) who was at least 600Lbs.

The Freewheeler's Wish "Happy Birthday" on Oct 20 - This is Awsome!

I don't like ham radio, and the Freewheeler's net, just because a bunch of guys wished me happy birthday. I like them because the hobby and the freewheeler's are filled with good people.

I submit my happy birthday wish as evidence to support my claim.

Be advised, you'll have to endure a commercial in the video (30 seconds).
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Freewheeler Rewind: 10/14/10 Thursday Night

Recorded Ham Radio.  Jim, KC0MQS is calling the net tonight.  Lots of fun to be had, and some new guys welcomed in.  If you're a ham, or if you  have a shortwave radio, you can tune to 3.916 mhz every night except Saturday night, at 10:00pm Central time and hear this net LIVE!

Getting the most out of your Ham Shack for ARES and SkyWarn

What kind of ham shack do you have? Maybe you have a large separate building or a garage. Maybe you have a radio or two in your bedroom. That said, when making the most of your ham shack, you’ve got to answer some questions.

What will your ham shack be used for? Will you be a skywarn operator? Will you operate as an ARES station?

If so, you’ll need to take a couple things into consideration. 1. You might have to be in it for an extended period of time, and 2. You might need emergency power.

My shack is a small 8’ X 8‘, and I think I have made the most of it. I have 3 spare 12V batteries, as well as a generator for emergency power. Additionally, I have a portable camp stove, an old style percolator coffee pot, and a gas lantern.

These items would be used in the event of an extended power-outage; or entended ARES activation..

Something else I have in my shack is a place to crash.

I have a large toolbox designed for the back of a pick-up to hold odds and ends, and a mattress atop making up a comfortable place to sleep, if necessary.

Any comments or questions can be left in the comment form, or sign my guestbook.

The Late Walter Kronkite Talks about Amateur Radio (Video)

Walter Kronkite was a ham. He made this video: Ham Radio Today. This is a great video for potential hams to see.

October 30 SkyWarn Class Announcement

NELA ARES and the National Weather Service will conduct an official SkyWarn (storm spotter) class on October 30, 2010 at the Ouachita Parish Fire Training Center located at 1000 New Natchitoches, West Monroe, LA.

Anyone with an interest in severe weather reporting is encouraged to participate. The cost is free to the public, and I’m not sure about this class, but the last one I attended a certificate was given.

The class Starts at 10:00am. I hope to see you there.

Directions to the training center are as follows.

I-20 / US 80 Westbound

I-20 / US 80 Eastbound(From Ruston / Shreveport, LA)
In West Monroe - take Well Road South to Well Road
Turn Left off of Well Road onto New Natchitoches
Ouachita Parish Fire Training Center is 3/4 Mile on Left (From Rayville, LA / Jackson, MS)
In West Monroe - take Thomas Road South to New Natchitoches
Turn Right off of Thomas Road onto New Natchitoches
Ouachita Parish Fire Training Center is 3/4 Mile on Right