I recently built a stratum 1 time server for my network. I used this blog post as a recipe: https://blog.networkprofile.org/gps-backed-local-ntp-server/ It’s capable of working stand-alone without a network connection, some would say as an orphan, but having the GPS PPS signal makes it highly accurate within 200 or so nanoseconds and I’ve seen better on … Read more
Morse Code, aka CW in the ham world, was not a requirement when I was licensed. Some would say I’m a no code extra. Well not any more… I’ve been slowly working on my CW and although I have a poor fist I’ve gotten through all ten digits and all 26 characters. I’m not proficient … Read more
There’s been a recent upswing of APRS on the HF bands using EA5VHKs VARA modem. A recent update to the software allows larger KISS frames which makes APRS more efficient on the HF bands. A little bit about VARA VARA is an Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) method to transfer data. OFDM is primarily used … Read more
This thing is cool: It’s a software defined radio (receiver) that can pick up from 0.001 – 2000MHz. I used those units on purpose for my non-tech friends… your am radio in your car picks up .54 – 1.7 MHz and your FM radio picks up 88.1 – 107.9MHz. It has a very sensitive receiver … Read more
I ran a solar powered off-grid portable op today. Equipment:Yaesu FT-818NDUSB SignaLinkFTDI CT-62 CAT cable from Valley Enterprises2014 Dell LaptopDuracell 9ah AGM batteryHardened Power BattBacHarbor Freight 100watt solar power kitN9TAX roll-up 2M/70CM Slim Jim antenna Operated 2M voice into WF4X (147.285) repeater in Defuniak Springs. QSOs with K4NDJ and KK4WDR.Operated JS8 at 5 and 1 … Read more