Do I want to be the 5th Region Net Control Manager?

It is rewarding for me to check in on the 5th region traffic net, and I have actually been calling the net (a few days each week) for a couple years.


During this time, I've seen net control operators come and go, I've seen clashing attitudes and caustic inflexibility that pushes people away.

Today, the 5th region traffic manager asked me if I'd be willing to take over his post.  My first reaction was to say (hesitantly) "Oh-okay".


I was informed about monthly net reports going to ARRL and a few other people, and I started thinking about how it would be my responsibility to maintain control operators  and schedules.


I think I would like to take this post, but I'm afraid that when the newness of it wears off, I'll be stuck and tied down by a hobby I currently like.  I don't want this hobby to start feeling like a job.

Preping for the 2012 IARU HF Championship

IARU Clipart by KE5UTN

I plan to participate in the IARU HF Championship this weekend  (the 14th and 15th of July).


The start time is 1200 UTC on Saturday and lasts 24 hours.


The bands included in this contest are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters.  No other band will be included for point contacts.  


CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE CONTEST DETAILS AT ARRL.


Okay, I'm going to operate Single OP, Low Power and SSB.  I have the IMAX-200 matched for 10 meters already and I wrote down the MFJ-949E tuner settings.  I plan to get 15 meters tuned on the antenna also and I'll write those settings down.


That one antenna will do 10 and 15 meters.  I have an inverted 'V' that works really great without a tuner.  For 80 and 40 meters, I'll be using the old Butternut vertical.  


I'll be logging with NIMM, and thanks to Scott - W5WZ - I have the software up and ready to go.

The radio I'm using is my Kenwood TS-50s.




You would not believe how I logged the year before last. (I didn't participate last year).   I used HRD and struggled getting it right.


That was the first contest I gave a serious effort and I got 1st place for Zone 7.

This contest is really fun!  If you had never tried it, you aught to.

 I'm contesting for the fun of it.  More than the goal of beating other people's scores, I want to see how many contacts I can make.  If I out-score, great.  If I not, great too.  I'm in it for the fun... But, I will get as many contacts as I can.  


I hope to see you on the bands.  73.

Check out this RC Aircraft modled after a Maple Seed

This remote controlled aircraft, described as a drone, is modeled after a maple seed.  The maple seed is sometimes referred to as the 'helicopter seed'.


This thing is cool!  Lockheed announced the successful flight of this drone — the Samarai — last year but has more recently released a video demonstrating how it works and explaining the technology. check it out.

A Portable Tower You won't have to Climb: The Ingram Tilt-A-Tower ***VIDEO***

I'm glad I had the opportunity to help out in setting this tower up for field day. This is the brain-child of Carlos Ingram - KB5YEG - who modified a tank hauling trailer to stand this 40+ foot tower that is assembled in the horizontal position.  Plainly put, this is cool!

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2012 Amateur Radio Field Day Video -

I wasn't able to get out to help break everything down, but I did help get things going.


We had a great time with our ham community as many came out to participate.


Here is a video compilation of all the photos and video clips I took on Friday and Saturday. 

Below the video, I have posted all the still pictures so you can save them to your computer to print or post on your own  website.

Saturday's Pictures are below.  Go HERE to see the pictures from Friday's setup.

Friday Field Day Prep 2012 - Day in Pictures