An online discussion area for readers of Ham Radio Online.
Let's not bury HF yet!byI just read the article "Promoting Amateue Radio" By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY. I think it brings up a very impot\rtant point, but, I don't fully agree with it's interpertation of the data. Although the ranks of the VHF/UHF operators has grown and that of HF dwindled. I don't think it fair to say it is due to changes in society and the age demographics of the amateur population and years of experience. When many of us started we had no experience and were young. HF was whatwhat attracted us though. At that time the licensing structure was such that we had to enter via HF. I'm an not proposing we go back. I think that we should require a license upgrade to becom involved with HF. Treat all bands the same and have incentives (if needed) of increased sub bands on every band. Note that when this shift started was when the nocode license was introduced. I used to say keep the code requirement, but, no more. May have some CW only sub-bands that require no-code licenses. I think the HF region is very interesting. And with loaded antennas, Easy to install mobile antennas, new sensitive radios operating HF has never been easer. Maybe setting up a station that rivals the Voice of America can't be done on a small budget in a gated comunity but use of small antennas or Mobile and portable operation is very possible. Conversely VHF/UHF operation is very much like cell phone and wireless modem operation. In conclusion why don't we give new licenses a practicall chunck of all bands, encourage new forms of communications and let every one discover the magic that each band has. Please excuse the mispellings I rely on spell checkers. from IP address 208.244.135.68 |
Bury HF???byI always get a kick out of the Hams who lament the end of HF because we don't have enough hams upgrading!!! (The usual reaction is to do away with code as a solution... what next?.. do away with exams?) I don't know about you, but in my shack there's a scanner programmed with just about every simplex, repeater, and other frequency used in the metro Detroit area from 6m - 1.2Ghz. I'll tell ya' this though... you'd be amazed at how often that scanner is silent, sometimes for hours! HF, on the other hand, is never silent (maybe not CROWDED, but never silent) ...I guess that begs the question, "If present no-coders are NOT using the frequencies they now have (OVER 90% of ALL Amateur Spectrum), what makes you think they'll suddenly begin using HF?" Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm? Just a thought along the licensing path though... (it'd be a moot point now, with restructuring coming in just weeks now) I'd like to see new Tech Licenses return to the idea of the OLD Novice temporary ticket... upgrade in a year or two or lose the license. THAT's INCENTIVE!! ...and just so ya' know... I'm not anti-no-code! In fact I think the lessening of CW requirements to 5wpm & 12wpm as was proposed ain't such a bad idea (although I gotta admit to a bit of animosity to the idea of losing Code spectrum to SSB!) I too, kind'a liked the idea of no-coders getting a small piece of CW-only HF.. say, on 40 or 80m. Even though I thought the idea was absurd at first, it seems like it just might work! from IP address 216.40.145.111 |
Kenwood TS-520 vs.TS-520Sby David LaneWhat is the difference between a TS-520 and the TS-520S? from IP address 205.188.198.167 |
TS-520 & TS-520SbyHi David, The TS-520 was the first model that Kenwood came out with sometime in the '70s. The next version they came out with was the TS-520S. They are pretty much the same radio except the 520 had a 12VDC internal inverter that was used to make the radio available for moble use. It was not included in the 520S. They also added 160 meters to the 520S which the 520 didn't have. The front panel controls were changed around a bit between the two radios and they added an attenuation pad on the 520S. There may have been a couple of other minor changes, but I don't know what they are. Hope this helps. 73 Jim from IP address 209.60.79.232 |
Chisristmas present for DadbyMy Dad recently got his license, has 2 radios with almost full coverage, and a most worthy computer. Is there a bullet proof hardware & software interface for the 2 rigs that I can put under his tree and make his day? What would he be dreaming of right now? from IP address 206.129.86.38 |
Dad's Christmas PresentbyIn order to make worthwhile suggestions, we need to know the brand and model number of the radios. Are they base stations, mobile rigs or handi-talkies? HF or VHF? A new ham might be interested in an SWR meter, a TNC(Terminal Node Controller) for packet radio or a GPS unit for APRS(Automatic Position Reporting System). There are various headset microphones. But the best bet would be to ask him what accessories HE WANTS! from IP address 24.4.54.55 |
Latest on Amateur Service restructuringby Bill AllenHere is the latest scoop on Amateur Service restructuring. This is from a report from the ARRL. "NEWINGTON, CT, Nov 10, 1999--Knowledgeable sources in Washington say the amateur license restructuring issue has moved to the front burner at the FCC, and a Report and Order could be released before the end of 1999. " 73s Bill Allen KC5ADF from IP address 208.193.185.73 |
Antenna locationbyI am wanting to put a through-glass antenna on a 1995 Chrysler. The rear window has the heavy black tinting near the top. Must I stay below this black stuff which puts the antenna a little lower than I would like, or can I put the antenna over the black tinting without seriously cutting signal? It is not my choice to use an on-glass antenna, but one must keep the XYL happy. Thanks, Neal from IP address 207.91.58.100 |
HT for Search and RescuebyI'm a new Ham and looking for a 2M/440 HT to use in wilderness search and rescue. I'd like to stay in the $200-300 price range. Whatever I get needs to be able to take rough handling and wet weather. Also needs to have good battery life and simple to operate. Any ideas? So far, I'm leaning towards the YAESU FT-50RD, but also looking at the ADI AT-600HP, Alinco DJ-G5TH, ICOM IC-T7H and the Kenwood TH-G71A. Thanks. from IP address 12.7.75.66 |
Kenwood TH-G71AbyI am new also and bought Knwoods TH-G71A no complaints. I do suggest to get the extended life battery PB-39 73's from IP address 209.246.99.166 |
What are the others using?byMy first reaction to your post is, "What are the others in your group using?" This might make a tremendous amount of difference in your HT selection. For instance, some units allow you to "clone" frequencies from one unit to another..but it only works if both HTs are the same. Another feature that might be valuable to you and your group is ARTS--automatic range transponding system. If you have the same HTs, the units communicate automatically with each other at a predetermined interval. If one of your group should go "out of range" you are instantly alerted, thus avoiding the loss of one of the rescuers as well! That's why I think you should talk to the others in the group before deciding on a purchase. If everyone in the group has purchased different units, then let your personal preference be your guide. I know that the Yaesu is a very tough unit, but be sure it fits your hand nicely and that the audio is suitable. I had a hard time understanding the audio on that unit, but others think its just fine. It also is somewhat thicker than other HTs, and this might pose a problem. Also, the keys are small. I haven't used the Alinco, although I have heard that it is one of the easiest to program and use of all HTs. Perhaps this could be a plus... some of these HTs are hard to use unless you carry the manual around with you all the time! I have heard that the Icom T7H is easy to use, but I have no personal experience with it. However, you might consider the Icom T8A, the tribander. Currently there is a $70 coupon available on that radio, which brings it down to $269 or $279. At that price, its quite a bargain. You might find that additional band useful in other situations. I like the audio on the Icoms--it always seems clear and sharp. Check them out in person, if possible, and get a feel for the radio--the best radio for you will become readily apparent. Good luck, and I hope you find all the people who are lost! from IP address 199.237.23.51 |
All hams please readbyI have a friend that is looking for a 1967 (month unknown) 73 magazine with an article about the HMCS Magnificient (whatever that is). She wants it for a Christmas present for her father who is a ham. If you have such for sale please email me at herbstreit@hartcom.net and I will notify her. 73s N8CLO. from IP address 207.0.11.191 |
Fritzel Antennaby HaroldI am trying to find a dealer in the USA where I can purchase the Fritzel, FD4, 2kw antenna. It is a wire antenna 10 thru 80 meters, no tuneing needed.Would sure appreciate any help. Thanks from IP address 63.71.46.142 |
re Fritzel antennabyHarold, I went to Yahoo search and found this... www.home.sol.no/~polarps/jw5e/club.html This group uses Fritzel antennas...Try them... from IP address 209.209.19.231 |
Fritzel FD4byThanks for the suggestion, Walt, do appreciate it but I still haven't had any luck finding this antenna in the US. Am trying an overseas possibility but haven't had a responce as yet. from IP address 63.71.45.121 |
FD4by Didier DOMINETry : http://www.ges.fr SU3 / F5PWW from IP address 208.5.13.130 |
Ham Radio as Y2K Contingency for TruckingbyI'm senior VP for Information Services at American Trucking Associations, Inc. I've had some queries from some of our member trucking companies asking if there are any national projects among Ham Radio operators to offer contingency communications services to businesses in case the Y2K 'millenium' bug actually causes communications systems to fail on 1/1/2000. One company in particular that operates 78 terminals in the southern US wanted to know if they could obtain names and phoners for Ham operators in cities or areas near their terminals to set up a short-lived system their terminal operators could use to contact other terminals. Any thoughts? Thanks, Bob Rast Senior Vice President Information Services Group American Trucking Associations, Inc. 2200 Mill Road Alexandria, VA 22314-4677 (703) 838-8886 (703) 838-1914 FAX from IP address 207.247.51.11 |
Ham Radio as Y2K ContingencybyUnless it is for the specific purpose of providing for the immediate protection of life or property, and with certain other restrictions coded into Federal law (CFR Title 47 Part 97), Amateur Radio is generally prohibited from conducting business communications in the Amateur Radio Service. IF there were a collapse of our nationwide infrastructure on Jan 1, 2000 (which won't happen), then it could be that certain forms of communications would be allowed in regards to providing for the immediate welfare of the public that is unable to receive goods needed to sustain their life. Otherwise, the FCC rules and regulations draw a sharp line between Amateur Radio and business communications. Ed, KF7VY from IP address 204.227.186.11 |
Y2K ContingencybySo...does that mean a ham operator couldn't help a mom in Illinois get messages regarding family's well-being to kids in Georgia and vice-versa? If so, how would one go about setting that up? If not, how about shortwave radio if you know? Thanks! from IP address 205.188.199.204 |
Kenwood 680 tone unitbyDoes anyone know what the tone unit option did on a kenwood 680. The manual doesn't really mention it other than where it goes (I don't see it on mine). What I need is the sub-audible tone's for 6m fm. Thanks, Fred from IP address 198.138.95.72 |
battery helpbyi need a replacement battery for my alinco dj-162 any help please?? thanks troy from IP address 205.188.193.176 |
Untitledby OkieI needed a battery for my old Kenwood 2500 HT, $76 from Radio Shuck. Sent it to NiCad Lady and got it rebuilt for $35 including S&H, back in under a week. http://nicdlady.com/index.htm from IP address 12.5.228.101 |
battery helpbyemail ray sarrio WB6SIV at sarrio@sarrio.com as he rebuilds batteries at half the cost of a new one, from IP address 207.0.11.191 |
re: DirecPCby John SmithAdditionally PNS doesn't work well on Windows 9x, I upgraded my system to a dual Pentium with NT4.0 to be able to get most of the posts. Browsing truly is miserable using DirecPC, but downloading files in the 15MB to 30 MB is fast. I will definitely get rid of DPC as soon as something else is available - though I expect to find whatever that is to have its own share of problems... from IP address 206.71.110.81 |
Thanks for the voiceby Thank you for being a small voice for us on the web. I sincerely hope your future ventures prove as profitable as they do fun. I have to agree with those things you wrote about ham radio. I am near 60 years old and find it unfortunate that so many scorn the new tech hams. I find their voices growing and welcome them for they are the lifeblood of our hobby. Any one who disputes that or feels we can do without them has resigned themselves to see our hobby disappear and I feel sorry for that belief. I have children who joined this hobby as young children and I hope they will continue well past my time so others can enjoy what we have for so many years. Keep your voice strong and unwavering for us and our hobby, for we are growing smaller and less heard. 73 and my best wishes for you and yours. from IP address 152.163.201.61 |
Product Review: DirecPC-The Internet Via SatellitebyFAP = Find Another Provider I was FAP'd at 20 megs each and everytime I reached that amount of downloaded content. My speed would be cut in half and halved again when I reached another 20 megs of data. Keyword here is "was", after being a subscriber to their most expensive consumer plan (Sun/Moon 400 kbps) for nearly 3 years, I've discontinued it. Generally the article is good, however I think I fell asleep 4 or 5 times while reading it... Too small text on white background, newspapers have the same effect, guess I'll bookmark the site for the next time I have a need to dose off... from IP address 38.157.86.251 |
re: DirecPCbyI'll set the font to 12 point; I think it is at 10 point. Also, most browser let you enlarge the fonts dynamically, if you want. Thanks! Ed, KF7VY from IP address 204.227.186.137 |
DircPC s***byAfter trying the new upgrade and having nothing but problems. Then trying to reinstall as before for the 12 th time I am going to cancle my $34 a month plan and stick it out at 26.0 to 30.0 that I get here with my local ISP. I am at my wits end with Hughes Sat Co & the DirecPC! I just don't understand the so called upgrade, they couldn't have tested it very well. At alt.satellite.direcpc you read nothing but problem after problem and plenty of pissed off people. Anyway thanks for the venting. If you think it's you not DirecPC, you're wrong it's DirecPC ! Does anyone know of another (better) comapny for that kind of service? Thanks, D from IP address 63.70.128.33 |
A Modest ProposalbyA modest proposal I realize that my volatile tirade of 11/1 "they know not what they do" regarding the impending VDSL HF interference crisis will, while it does reflect my true convictions, resonate with a minority of readers. Upon reflection it occurs to me that there might be more mild acts of subversion that everyone can partake in which may stand a serious chance of limiting VDSL market penetration until the "inside the coax" services can gain the upper hand. In his recent summary "Celphones-and Amateur Radio- to be Banned at Gasoline Stations" on this site Ed observes that "internet myths have grown to urban legend proportions" and "companies have succumbed to junkscience". Could we not, I ask, make use of this phenomenon? I think that we need to prey upon consumer fears by framing this not as an issue of interference to obscure hobbyists, but in terms of personal privacy. The basic message is this; so long as your internet feed is outside of a nice safe shielded coax cable, anyone smart enough to wire an inductor to a capacitor can monitor your every one and zero...why, what's more, by utilizing special transmitters they can piggyback onto your connect and wreak havoc, all over the airwaves, from blocks away! It will occur to the more imaginative that, while this is clearly an exaggeration, under certain circumstances some such activity might actually be possible. Thus, this makes a near perfect myth, sordid, scary, high tech voodoo, with just a grain of truth. While the telcos will certainly spend a lot on counterpropaganda, their air of desperation will only lend more drama to the belief that VDSL is inherently insecure. Remember, it is still a crapshoot whether the twisted pair or the 75ohm coax will come out on top. Our message must be that, no matter what VDSL proponents tell you, IT IS A PHYSICAL IMPOSSIBILITY FOR THEM TO DELIVER A SECURE SERVICE SO LONG AS IT IS BEING BROADCAST AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD! This informational virus is so compelling it almost crafts itself...why, I heard just the other day, my girlfriend's sister in law it was, picked up her phone only to hear her neighbor engaged in a homosexual CUCme session on his HomePNA, pig grunts and all. Another couple I heard of, about three weeks after they got their HPNA working started getting bills for everything under the sun, turned out the neighbor kid was using a modified scanner and an old 386 to read off their credit card numbers RIGHT OFF THEIR BOX before they got scrambled for legitimate online purchases. As hams y'alls business is the propagation of information right? So this time its a little white lie, it could just save the amazing, dare I say magical, resource we call HF communications from being irrevocably degraded. Spread the word, tell everyone you know, get on the nets, use your imagination, but get on it! This seed needs to be germinated quickly. Remember, the mantra is that VDSL is INHERENTLY insecure, there is NOTHING they can do to make it secure, and coax based home networks are the ONLY way to insure your privacy. Thuja from IP address 207.49.34.68 |
This is a must read!byThis is a fascinating idea - spread the word on the problems with VDSL via the internet rumor machine. (See previous message in this thread if you haven't already). I won't start this rumor myself but I'll look the other way if someone else cares too :-) Ed, KF7VY from IP address 204.227.186.56 |
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