XPost: rec.radio.amateur.misc

Amateur/Ham Radio

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Weekly Information / Mentor / New License Thread

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 06:00 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0kni5/weekly_information_mentor_new_license_thread/


This thread is used for those who just passed their tests to introduce themselves, a place to ask questions that you think dont deserve its own
thread and a place to brag!
Posts will be sorted by new!
Before posting, please make sure to read our FAQs and Wiki Page as your question might have already been answered.
Also make sure to check out our Rules Page
Weekly Nets And Chat Rooms: DMR Net: 0000 UTC Tuesday (Monday night US,
8pm Eastern). No net control. Brandmeister TG 98003. Also linked via
echolink. More info can be found here. HF Net: 01:30 UTC Monday Morning
(Sunday night US). Coordinate via IRC, no net control. Information can be
found here CW Noob Net: 02:30 UTC Saturday Morning (Friday night US). Coordinate via IRC, no net control. Information can be found here Official
IRC Channel - #RedditNet on Geekshed. Link to web-based client is here but
feel free to use whatever client you like. Official Discord Server - /r/amateurradio is on discord. Click here to join Collegiate Ham Radio
Groupme is here Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team EchoLink Net 19:00 Central Saturday Night Redditnet group on the Brandmeister network - TG
98003 - Listen Live - This talkgroup is bridged to AllStarLink node 48224
and Echolink node W5RI-L and on D-Star via XLX216 Module E North American Traffic and Awards Net Nightly at 22:30Z on 7.185. If youd like to join a weekly net for new and returning amateurs, check out the details at http://ftroop.vk6flab.com, the net runs every week on Saturday, from 00:00
to 01:00 UTC on Echolink, IRLP, AllStar Link and 2m FM via various
repeaters. You can also listen via the brandmeister hoseline! Link on
homepage. submitted by /u/AutoModerator
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Cant wait

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 06:53 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0ltcy/cant_wait/


Just signed up for my technician exam on the 22 of January. Can’t hardly wait!!! submitted by /u/wesleyboyd
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Something I don't understand about how APRS works

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 07:45 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0myok/something_i_dont_understand_about_how_aprs_works/


So, I know that APRS can enable a lot of very interesting things from
networked sensors to short text messages. I get that its a broadcast
network within a given region out to X number of hops before packets
expire. There are gaps in my understanding of how the Internet factors into this outside of https://aprs.fi/.
Lets say Im in New England and I send an APRS text message to a friend in Florida. Obviously, that message has to transverse an igate. But, how does
the network know where to re-emit that message over RF? What if my friend
in Florida is in Colorado instead? How does that work? submitted by /u/s-ro_mojosa
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Overnight, I made some upgrades to my now favorite antenna ever. The "mini
2 meter yagi" has SpiderWire stabilizer, a mounting device, and permanent
boom attachments.

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 09:27 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0pd2r/overnight_i_made_some_upgrades_to_my_now_favorite/

submitted by /u/Gullex
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I just came up with an even better 2m yagi than my last Even more compact, needs no extra branches, self deploying elements, and even a radio mount.

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 02:30 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s03hha/i_just_came_up_with_an_even_better_2m_yagi_than/

submitted by /u/Gullex
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DXCC (Mixed) now over 200

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 03:50 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0iafl/dxcc_mixed_now_over_200/


Got my next sticker... I now have 204 entities certified (some paper QSLs,
but mostly LotW). I have two new paper QSL cards not yet submitted to a
card checker, but I will wait a bit until I have more.
My 2022 goal is at least 150 CW certified entities, if not 200. Not as
easy, these days of FT8.
73 de NW7US

https://preview.redd.it/mmodref7mua81.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b4521a582c6b3b3cd9ea8f65f66a3cc0934dc5fb
submitted
by /u/NW7US
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This made me chuckle because it's true.

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 07:49 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rzuhpg/this_made_me_chuckle_because_its_true/

submitted by /u/thathamradioguy
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CQ Pride - diversity focused amateur radio contest - 4-6th of June

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 01:19 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s01ur8/cq_pride_diversity_focused_amateur_radio_contest/

submitted by /u/xssfox
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FT-70 troubles

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 08:18 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0nqcm/ft70_troubles/


Lately my FT-70 isnt working worth a darn on the digital mode. Used to be
able to hear a solid S9 on my local YSF repeater, and now Im struggling to
get an S5. And just forget linking up to change rooms or anything. Ive
checked a few other YSF repeaters and gotten the same thing.
Havent dropped it or anything lately. Only noteworthy thing Ive done with
it is carried it outside in below freezing temps last week. Once I saw the
cold was affecting my antenna (Signal Stick), I brought it back in. Wasnt outside more than a minute or two.
Has anybody seen something like that happen with an FT-70? submitted by /u/ksink74
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My 2022 Goals on HF (Shortwave) - Mainly CW Morse Code DXCC

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 04:03 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0ijlj/my_2022_goals_on_hf_shortwave_mainly_cw_morse/


My 2022 goal with my amateur radio station (as shown) is that I will get confirmed over 150 entities (countries, and entities, as recognized by the
ARRL DXCC) worked using Morse code.
Im close to 100, at the moment. I plan on being very active looking for new entities on CW subbands. My current antenna is a 220-foot doublet antenna
that was up at 50 feet, but a wind storm has caused it to fall about 20
feet. I hope to repair it very soon.
The Current Radio Operations Position, NW7US
For those who dont know what this means:
As an amateur radio communicator (a ham radio operator), I enjoy two-way communications with other licensed radio hobbyists around the world, using shortwave radio frequencies. With a radio that is designed to send and
receive Morse code, for instance, we have two-way conversation only using radios, antennas, our Morse code telegraphy keys, and our minds--sending
and receiving our signals via the ionosphere above the Earth.
The ARRL DXCC certificates acknowledge a confirmed two-way communication
with 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and above 300 unique countries (entities).
Using voice, Morse code, and digital modes of modulating text, Ive had certified over 200 such two-way contacts.
Now, my goal is to certify over 150 two-way communication contacts (which
we call, QSOs) by using only Morse code. That is a mental challenge!
Generally speaking, it can take years, and thousands of such two-way radio contacts, to achieve these goals. Some countries only have one or two
active licensed amateur radio stations. Some countries are isolated islands where people take radios and antenna systems, generators, tents, and travel
to these remote places, just to activate that location for the worldwide Amateur radio community so that they can add one more to the certification.
It is quite challenging!
73 de NW7US dit dit. submitted by /u/NW7US
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Rigging extension RJ coax to SMA; J-POLE extension

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 09:12 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0ozwm/rigging_extension_rj_coax_to_sma_jpole_extension/


Look, Im not going to pretend that title does this question, or series of questions, much justice. Please just hear me out (and thank you for your
time):
I understand that ideally we want to buy cables that match, or to connect
them using proper adapters, but what about just rigging it?
When I say "rigging it" picture this:
Ive got a roll up J-pole antenna, 15 feet of SMA cable and 25 feet of
standard RJ coax. I want to cut one end off of each cable, peel back the shielding, solder the center copper wires, heat shrink it, then pull the shielding over the heat shrink, solder the shielding together, then
electrical tape the exposed shielding, effectively connecting a SMA cable
to a RJ. The RJ gets plugged into a base station, the SMA gets plugged into
an antenna.
Would this work? What are the implications?
Again, thank you for your time. submitted by /u/truthfulinternet
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Looked up and saw this while my antenna was connected to my other turned
off radio via a coax switch. Still picking up stations. I guess FT-8 really
is for weak signals!

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 04:45 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s06gg0/looked_up_and_saw_this_while_my_antenna_was/

submitted by /u/Jazzsterman
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2 Meter SSTV nets, are they practical and do they exist?

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 05:08 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s06yeh/2_meter_sstv_nets_are_they_practical_and_do_they/


Hi. So for context, I have a general license and I just got back into
amateur radio on two meters. I used to be into contesting on HF radio but gradually my focus shifted to other things in my life and I’ve just been on air for the first time in several months on 2 meters. I’ve been thinking,
and I’ve realized one of the coolest things I’ve done in the world of radio besides having a DX contact in Eastern Europe was having a brief SSTV conversation with another redditor nearby from this subreddit. I wish it
was a more popular medium because it is super fun and interesting but unfortunately there is basically nobody on air that does it regularly
nowadays, especially not on 2 meters.
The reason I’m keen on two meters specifically is because I no longer have any hf radios and it’s generally a much more accessible band for a number
of reasons.
The thought this lead me to is that if there was enough people within 25
miles we could have a SSTV net; I mean practically all you need is a phone
with the right app and a handheld radio. From my experience the results
were better than I expected on a base radio with a phone coupled to the
mic, even though there were some hiccups in terms of reliability.
It would also be especially cool because you would be able to send memes
and other interesting images easily which is a very fun concept in my
opinion and a much needed break from the usual roundtable banter.
What are your thoughts? Is it possible? Does it exist? Let me know in the comments :) submitted by /u/Faketuxedo
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RSGB Director resignation: "I resigned as an RSGB Director on Thursday due
to pure frustration. As I was elected by you lovely people, I feel its only right I share my resignation email. Its a shame. The org has so much
potential and I couldnt change it."

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 12:09 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s009c9/rsgb_director_resignation_i_resigned_as_an_rsgb/

submitted by /u/kc2syk
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Why dose this keep restarting and I am also not able to hear anything? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 12:15 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s00exx/why_dose_this_keep_restarting_and_i_am_also_not/

submitted by /u/Willforth91
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New battery (Li-ion) for HT

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 05:22 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0jx5k/new_battery_liion_for_ht/


Question, do I use straight away, full bars when on radio, or charge before first time use? submitted by /u/Bob_Dobalina1969
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High gain directional antenna (10-15 mile range).

Posted: 10 Jan 2022 04:00 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0igii/high_gain_directional_antenna_1015_mile_range/


Does anyone have recommendations for a high gain directional antenna which would be able to connect to a cell tower about 10-15 miles away? Preferably something I could use indoors, nothing to crazy, and something which wont interfere with other peoples signals (so the FCC wont go "ham" lol).
Cellular networks run a lower band than WIFI (2.4GHz, 5GHz) so it should
have better penetration through walls accompanied with the fact that these cellular towers obviously have a higher range than your modem would have
since its a lower band and can transmit more power.
Would this be plausible or not, and with which antenna? submitted by /u/Arielpfulus
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Yaesu FT-991 (not 991a) - Question about blown front ends

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 07:35 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s09zq8/yaesu_ft991_not_991a_question_about_blown_front/


Im new and getting into this, Ive found a good price on a used FT-991, Ive heard that certain batches of these had serious issues with front ends
dying. As Id be getting this without warranty Im a bit concerned.
Is there a range of serial numbers or manufacture dates that I should be
wary of? or am I better to just avoid the whole thing?
The other option Im looking at is a used FT-897 (not d), should I grab that instead? The prices are within $100 of one another. submitted by /u/newaccountwhodis3211
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Male and female crimp UHF connector questions

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 07:11 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s09hv0/male_and_female_crimp_uhf_connector_questions/


So, I bought these crimp connectors for RG-8X, not knowing that the crimped center pin is only compatible with a solid center conductor. My RG-8X has a stranded center, and the strands would bunch up resulting in a short. I
didnt see anything on the product page that specified a solid center. I
guess that this is a better option? My iron (a Hakko FX-888D) should be
good enough to solder the center, but in my experience, soldering the braid
to the barrel would take much more thermal mass.
Also, I bought These female crimp connectors that I havent installed
before. The data sheet suggests the pin can be crimped, but I cant find detailed installation instructions. Anyone use these? submitted by /u/SonicResidue
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MobilinkdTNC3 & Pi

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 06:06 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s085dw/mobilinkdtnc3_pi/


I have a Mobilinkd TNC3, Raspberry Pi 4, and a Yaesu FT3DR. I am trying to
set up the Mobilinkd TNC in Linux where I can operate Packet BBS. I am
getting an error. Any idea what I need to do?
I am able to set up serial port /dev/rfcomm0 on the Pi using the command "# rfcomm bind 0 [mac address] 6". I am able to use command "kissattach /dev/rfcomm0 wl2k" to set up the port.
When I attempt to use the "axlisten" or "axcall" commands I receive an
error message "listen: no AX.25 port data configured".
My axports file is as follows "wl2k KJ7RNY 1200 255 7 Winlink". I installed
my apps with KM4ACK build-a-pi.
16:20 through 24:00 of this video shows what I am trying to do (except for
all the SSH). https://youtu.be/jQIvr9r8BCsz submitted by /u/bblanchard33
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Help programming old POCSAG pager for Amateur use

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 06:23 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s08hp3/help_programming_old_pocsag_pager_for_amateur_use/


Greetings!
I am trying to program an old motorola advisor classic using the
appropriate motorola hardware and software ( not a hack ) to get the
capcode data from it. I realize that the hardware and software are
antiquated and you can not use modern fast computers as the process will fail. Ive read on line various people saying they have manged to get it
working with a tuned copy of Dosbox , and that you cant use anything newer
than windows XP to do it and so on.
Does anyone have a success story they can share ? I have tried using the provided motorola software under windows 7, dosbox, freedos , and I have
tried various combinations of baud rates and so on. The motorola manual is silent on such things , making me think this is pretty much a pre-windows
era situation.
For hardware I am using an old dell XPS that has a DB-9 com 1 on it, and
the official cradle and programmer from motorola. IT just does not seem to
be able to communicate with the pager.
I am aware that there might be a problem with the pager itself, so I am
getting another one to work with as a known good. In the meantime, any suggestions / success stories welcome.
Thanks! submitted by /u/Delchi
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Xiegu G90 Updating

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 04:50 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s06k7j/xiegu_g90_updating/


Hello all,
Have the Xiegu G90 and been running the 1.77 software the last year I had
it. I saw that 1.78 was released on the Xiegu site and downloaded it today.
I used the blue cable to connect to the TeraTerm Software. I updated the
head using the correct fireware from the 1.78 zip file using the 1k option
to upload. I think the file took but I am not sure. I powered off the
radio, unplugged the power cable, and USB cable. I then tried plugging it
into the rear comm port on the body. Radio powers up but the display says
comm error. I tried this for about an hour before giving up.
I then tried using three different computers and I couldnt get the USB
cable to talk to software and radio. The computers all see the cable fine
and I have it set to 115100 baud as recommended. I also tried TeraTerm
versions 4.105, 4.106, and 4.96 with no success.
Radio now only turns on with connection to a power supply and but not
battery. Both batteries have 13.9 volts but will not power radio on. Power supply sitting at 14.9 volts and is using a cigarette plug to connect power cable. Wire tested the power cable and its fine.
It seems now that the original xiegu USB cable isnt seeing the radio in TeraTerm. I used the cable from my Yaesu FT 60 and I get the spacebar
prompts to update but it isnt working. Did the USB cable go bad? The Tera
Term software shows COM5 connecting and disconnecting when I power the
radio on but I do not get the prompts to interrupt to install the updated firmware.
So to be clear the old firmware was version labelbed as 1.77 on the zip
file. The display file was v1. 76final20210113 and was released on Jan 13
2021. The main unit file was v1.77-internalbeta02 and was released on Jan
13 2021. So today since I uploaded and updated only the head file (I
think), the firmware on display reads base 1.77 Jan 13 2021 and app v1. 77
Mar 21 2021.
Can only get the radio to power up on a power supply and with the USB cable connected to either the head unit comm port or body comm port. Other than
that it is acting normal. I can transmit and receive. Any help or tips
would be graciously appreciated. submitted by /u/chas574
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Surveyor GPS base Radio / Repeater - affordable repeater (430-470MHz)

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 10:24 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/s0d6ci/surveyor_gps_base_radio_repeater_affordable/


Hi Reddit,
Long story short, Im a land surveyor. We use RTK GPS (GNSS) mostly for what were doing these days. We will Set a GPS Base over a know rebar placed.
This Base transmits Radio (430-470MHz) to our GPS rover and they real time bounce precisions to accurately obtain a position - as the earth is
spinning and you need a Static point for corrections. Any ways the GPS pod mounted on the tripod over the static point has an internal radio that transmits at 2W. Often were a in hill / rolling hill areas so ideally these
GPS Bases are set at a high point so the radio can "umbrella" to lower
areas. We do use repeaters ( Spectra Precision ADL Vantage 35 Radio ) for example, that can TX RX the signal up to 35W - powered by a 12v car
battery. We can either put that repeater next to the GPS base or drive till
we lose Radio and set up the Radio Repeater ( Spectra Precision ADL Vantage
35 Radio ) and go about working. There are situations where 2 repeaters are needed for logistics and theyre quite pricey to have a second unit. We
mostly Survey in UTM so 10deg of flattening of the earth which means from
the base GPS pod to the rover GPS pod we can go up 10km or 6.2mile max.
See this link for complete Specs etc of the radio "document" on the bottom right has the full manual : https://www.cansel.ca/store/cansel/en/Industries/Geospatial-%26-Engineering/GNSS/Radios/Spectra-Precision-ADL-Vantage-35-Radio-%28430-470MHz%29---Radio-only/p/531385
So my question, Is there a cheaper hand held alterative that can TX RX /
repeat this sort of radio in the range of 2-5 watts? or an affordable unit
that can be powered by a USB battery bank or 12v car battery?
Any suggestions would be great. I posted this in here because it being the Amateur radio area you folks might have some cost effective ideas. Other
wise I have to break the bank and buy another proper radio. cables, antenna etc.
thanks, TVG. submitted by /u/Frosting-Lost
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Trouble understanding/reading local band plan

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 11:07 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rzyu7o/trouble_understandingreading_local_band_plan/

submitted by /u/calicoin
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Sending an odd size SASE for a QSL card

Posted: 09 Jan 2022 04:31 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/rzqpc3/sending_an_odd_size_sase_for_a_qsl_card/


I need to send off a SASE for a QSL card for my contact with the Japanese
team in Antarctica. Their cards are 140x100mm (about 4x6) and require an appropriately sized envelope.
Whats my best option? I see A6 invitation envelopes that are 4.75x6.5
inches (165x121mm) those would work but what size should I put inside it?
Or use two of the same size just fold the inner one in half?
Am I over thinking all of this? submitted by /u/GregP74
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--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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