XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

Amateur/Ham Radio

///////////////////////////////////////////
Weekly Information / Mentor / New License Thread

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:00 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u177dk/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 - #amateurradio 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 /r/amateurradio 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
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
ISS SSTV MEGATHREAD (Apr 11th Thru 13th)

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:49 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1as7h/iss_sstv_megathread_apr_11th_thru_13th/


The ISS will be hosting a SSTV event for the next couple of days. http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/2022/04/cosmonautics-day-sstv.html
Please post your results here! (Sorted by new).
Credit to: /u/MadMennonite Original Thread Here submitted by /u/ItsBail
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Is R13 supposed to be 10 ohms??

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 03:54 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u14z1m/is_r13_supposed_to_be_10_ohms/

submitted by /u/ttbnz
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Surprise! Worldwide ISS SSTV Event 4/11 17:15 UTC - 4/13 12:00 UTC

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:14 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1a1vm/surprise_worldwide_iss_sstv_event_411_1715_utc/

submitted by /u/MadMennonite
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Homebrew variable capacitor

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:02 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1b2lf/homebrew_variable_capacitor/


Someone asked me about a homebrew variable capacitor I mentioned in a
previous post.
I wish I would have taken more pictures of this when making it, but, here
are a couple of pictures I have.
I got the plans from here.
The author mentions he got 300 pF from his.
Mine maxs out at 170 pF.
Ive successfully used this one with a crystal radio and a couple of
Michigan Mighty Mite one-transistor transmitters. submitted by /u/KA8VIT
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Any recent knowledge of Mexico's laws?

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 12:39 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1fln9/any_recent_knowledge_of_mexicos_laws/


Ive been living in Mexico for two years now, of course being unable to
operate with my FCC Extra ticket. I had some online discussions early on,
but Im wondering if any of you have travelled or moved to Mexico recently
and might have a feel for dos and donts.
For instance, how "bad" would it be to transmit in digital mode at
milliwatt levels? Or, is there possibly a systematic way to contact Mexican hams and timeshare their license with them? I think using a current Mexican license is the only way for U.S. license holders to operate.
This sucks big time, and may end up having me move to South America so I
can be a full ham again. submitted by /u/LOLteacher
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Homebrew 40-meter low pass filter

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:44 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1anxy/homebrew_40meter_low_pass_filter/


I designed a 5-pole, 40-meter low pass filter for the Michigan Mighty Mite transmitter using one of the online tools available.
The design cut-off frequency was 7.5 MHz.
The design called for two 470 pF capacitors and one 820 pF capacitor and
two 1.5 uH inductors.
I had some T50-2 toroids in my parts box so I used them and another online calculator to calculate that for an inductance of 1.5 uH, a T50-2 toroid at
7.5 MHz would need 17.5 turns of wire.
I wound two coils with 18 turns each and they measured in at 1.522 uH.
I did not have the correct values for the capacitors so I had to dig
through the parts box and found two different values that in parallel got
me the 470 pF needed and three others in parallel to get me the 820 pF
needed.
As you can see from the spectrum analyzer pics the filter has a good
drop-off starting at 7.6 MHz. submitted by /u/KA8VIT
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Radio communication system in the arctic

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:29 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1bnzc/radio_communication_system_in_the_arctic/


Good day all,
Im trying to setup a system to enable comms in polar regions near Resolute, Nunavut, Canada.
Ive noticed a similar thread but decided to start a new one since Im
starting this system from scratch.
We have multiple basecamps that change location each year and are mainly
using Sat phones now. We do have an aviation radio to communicate with helicopters. The goal would be to have main stations (repeaters or NVIS antennas) at the primary basecamps that have long-range and/or short-range capabilities. But to also have mobile systems that we can bring via snowmobile/helicopter/hiking.
We also do scuba diving, so it would be awesome to have an underwater
system that can be relayed to the basecamp.
If anyone has any ideas, it would be very appreciated. Looking at equipment/systems now.
Thanks submitted by /u/XxSuRvIvEr49xX
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Built a small HF power Amplifier today

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:33 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u0xdpc/built_a_small_hf_power_amplifier_today/

submitted by /u/jephthai
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Solar QRPp POTA Park to Park contact

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 05:45 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u16wyw/solar_qrpp_pota_park_to_park_contact/

submitted by /u/va3oso
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Is the SSB Filter Needed for FT-818 for satellites

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:33 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u17veg/is_the_ssb_filter_needed_for_ft818_for_satellites/


I am thinking of getting a pair of FT-818s for satellite ops. I am not expecting to use them for HF because I already have an FT-891. I want to do
SSB on linear satellites 🛰 Do you know if the SSB filter would be needed or useful? Its a $200 USD option so I dont want to add it unnecessarily.
submitted by /u/bret312
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Xiegu G90 10 meters ctcss

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 01:33 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1gunp/xiegu_g90_10_meters_ctcss/


Will they ever update that with a software update for repeater function on
10 meters? submitted by /u/Routine_Watercress76
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Base station SLA Battery Pack

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:52 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1emad/base_station_sla_battery_pack/


Ive been operating off HTs previoiusly, and decided its time to take the
plunge and get a more powerful dual bander since ten watts isnt enough to
punch out from the rural mountainous area where I live. Im upgrading to a
BTECH UV-50X2 (If youre gonna tell me to wait and get something else,
please just dont. Isolations driving me kinda nuts up here.) and in the interest of not having potentially exposed mains wiring like some of the cheaper power supplies Ive been recommended, Im leaning towards a SLA setup which can also be used to charge phones and stuff, and allow operation in
case of a power outage. I did find a 55Ah battery for about $130 that looks good, but my dad brought up a possibility that I could use in the interim
until I get it and spread the cost out a little bit more.
Were in possession of a couple of 25Ah SLAs from a previous off grid solar setup, which I was thinking about wiring in parallel to get a 50AH pack
that I could then just keep topped off with a trickle charger. Would this actually work as a short term solution for a month or so? submitted by /u/Jessica_T
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Here comes the Newbie Post with the Newbie questions about a radio!

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:22 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1e8ma/here_comes_the_newbie_post_with_the_newbie/


As you’ve probably gathered, I’m new to this hobby. And I’ve seen that it can get expensive, quickly.
Having said that, I have been researching radios to purchase for sometime,
and I think I have landed on the Yaesu FTM-400XDR. Wife permitting, of
course. I am primarily looking at mobile only, so, in my inexperience, this looks perfect.
My question is this. One thing that I know I want is a multi-band radio.
The majority out there seem to be 2M/70cm radios, with a few quad band
radios out there. I am of the impression that most multi-band radios are
not great at any of the bands, they are good, but not great. For the
question, would this radio be a great dual-band radio?
All right, maybe I have a few more questions…
Would this radio be too much for a new ham?
Would this radio be something that I can expand on? Meaning, if newer
software features pop up, would I be able to upload them? Newer hardware as well. I know, can’t upload hardware. Yet.
Has this gone on too much?
Are there others that I may have missed that y’all fine individuals would recommend?
Thank you for coming to my Ted talk, we now return you to your regularly schedule program. submitted by /u/Duct_Tape_Gone_Wild
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
mcHF Alternatives

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:17 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1e3zi/mchf_alternatives/


Hi, is there another radio kit like the mcHF? The mcHF seems to be very difficult to get outside of the EU and it seems to be sold every time I
check the availability. submitted by /u/ripptorn
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Legal/technical avenues for a future picosat AM broadcast to be received
with kit-built equipment

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:26 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1cy2g/legaltechnical_avenues_for_a_future_picosat_am/


Hi all. Non-ham here, though Im working towards this in the future.
So, I had a thought the other night about an interesting idea for a picosat/cubesat experiment. Sputnik was really inspiring because it could easily be located by amateurs, and the signal it transmitted could be
received by contemporary amateur radio operators , proving to anyone that
the Soviets had actually pulled off something impressive. It inspired a
number of people to get into radio and rocketry/aerospace because it was
right there, proof that it could be done.
Today, kids arent so much into amateur radio or building electronics kits
as they once were, and our space race is mostly a billionaires game.
I had an idea to launch a picosat (like a cubesat or Tubesat) that could
stay on orbit for a few weeks maybe, and could transmit a radio signal that could be received by students and other amateurs without massive investment
in receiver parts and effort.
This would require a receiving antenna of some significant gain, but its
not that hard to build a Yagi-Uda with tape measures and dowels. It needs a receiver/decoder, but an AM circuit is not too hard, and cheap AM-band receivers can be had online (commercial frequency limited of course). A
mobile phone app in a 3d printed bracket mounted on the antenna could be
used to help the operator point the antenna to the right spot and follow it across the sky.
The problem that I think is the most difficult to solve, technically and bureaucratically, is finding a band that it could legally transmit on that
a tiny transmitter 120Km up and moving by at LEO orbital speeds, could be received by a ground Yagi driving a Forrest Mims style receiver design.
The actual picosat design would be nothing terribly sophisticated, nor
would the transmitter. The antenna could maybe be a long wire between an extended tensioner weight stretched out behind the picosat. Obviously,
orbital orientation would need to be maintained for this to work.
Has anyone ever done a thought experiment about something like this? I am
not thinking Ill ever have the resources to really DO this, but if it
looked to be practical, I might try to find others who could help make it happen. submitted by /u/XenonOfArcticus
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Does the wireless2.fcc gov site ever work?

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:56 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1awf0/does_the_wireless2fcc_gov_site_ever_work/


Perhaps Im missing something, but I just cant get this site to load. Ive
left feedback on the fcc homepage, this is frustrating.
Does anyone know of an alternate way to register for GMRS, perhaps by mail
or in-person? Thanks in advance for any tips! submitted by
/u/lordsofcobol
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Eggbeater antennas for amsat communication

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:44 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u1aogd/eggbeater_antennas_for_amsat_communication/


I am currently using an Arrow Yagi antenna for Amsat communications, it
works well.
However, I recently picked up an IC-9700 and Im looking for a setup that I
can use at my desk. Im not ready to do a yagi + rotator due to space and $. However, the UHF / VHF eggbeater antenna looks interesting.
Im reading reviews online and it looks like its the next best thing you can
do. Best being a yagi + rotator.
Question is: has anyone used an eggbeater antenna for Amsat? How did it
work for you. Thanks! submitted by /u/ohgeez93
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Marine radio advice

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:52 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u19jpu/marine_radio_advice/


Hi. Im looking into my first basic setup and trying to understand how I can tune in to some shipping radio (fishing vessels in particular). Can I do
this with a simple hand-held radio scanner? Will I need to be within a
certain distance of the vessels? Thanks for any advice, its much
appreciated. submitted by /u/Neat-Sprinkles-327
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Trying to improve an homebrew 20m dipole (some random questions)

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:28 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/u17rn2/trying_to_improve_an_homebrew_20m_dipole_some/


Hi folks. Recently I got into HF, and by now just with an RTL-SDR (since
both I dont have much money for a transceiver by now and because Id like to start working with the antenna -where I suppose I can go with a more
homebrew approach with less money-). To start with something, I just
extended the standard dipole given with the kit with some electrical wire
and some tape. It isnt much, but at least Im going into the right path
(manage to get some CW clearly, some -very noisy- SSB and also a lot of
abroad broadcast stations on the 15 MHz). Id like to improve it, however,
also to make it "a more permanent solution". Some questions about it:
1- By now, standard electrical wire just worked, but I wonder if thats a
more focused solution about that (like some reinforced wire??). Asking
because I dont know if the typical plastic coverage is gonna last that
much, especially outdoor.
2- I also saw that usually antenna are equipped with a balun. To start
thinking about the part, I wonder if, instead of buying toroids without
really knowing which kind is the best for the work I could use this https://preview.redd.it/898knihvcws81.jpg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f18a74b2cb868751c6797f9bbb34f5d7cc45ce4d
Basically I had an antenna (VHF) which had this toroid inside its base
(Note: "scavenged" probably isnt the proper word since I just unscrewed the antenna for the base. I can rebuild it without any problem, so I didnt lose
an antenna on purpouse). I dont know if its proper (dont even know whats
made of), but if it can be used for the purpouse I can thinker with that.
Its quite magnetic, and its dimensions are: external diameter = 7.2 cm, internal = 3.1 cm.
3- A more general question. As an alternative, I saw around some people
doing baluns (I think) just by looping cable in air. Could this be another solution?
(Note that these questions on balun especially came to me by seeing that typically the RTL-SDR has an input impedance of 75 Ohms, and the cable -scavenged- I have is 50 Ohms, so in order to learn I think its a good time
to start seeing about the matching part)
If you could also share some sources where to learn (dont worry if theres
some math behind, I have no problem with that) it would be very, very much appreciated, since (especially on baluns), I didnt manage to find a "more formal" approach . Im not really looking in a 700 pages antenna theory
book, just something more practical but that can explains every part of the design process.
Asking this because whenever I search for some homebew antennas I usually find completed projects with little explanation behind that (example: why
did they make those dimensions, why the balun has that certain ratio, why
did the toroid use is that specific one etc.). Probably havent looked in
the right places, I know, but still Id like to learn some antenna theory as
I had to design one from scratch.
Side note: learning also 4nec2 in the while, so I can mess around with simulations too, and Im thinking to get very soon an antenna analyzer (a NanoVNA should work for me, considering that Id like to avoid very
expensive equipment by now. Consider that, by comparison, when I started in general electronic a simple DSO138 scope worked greatly for me, instead of buying right away a professional scope).
Im sorry in case this question isnt that properly constructed, but it feels
to me that a lot of projects are done with the assumption that on the other side theres someone that already knows the subject (so you can imagine my confusion).
Thank you in case you can help me. In case I have some other questions Ill
put an edit warning to the top and add another question number (I know
myself, and somehow I always manage to forget about something). And sorry
again if the answer is not that much clear, Ill try to explain better in
case you ask. submitted by /u/Verdefluox
[link] [comments]

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)