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
I was recently notified of a data breach involving my Yahoo! mail account. I looked it up and sure enough, my problem for the hackers is the password had long been changed. But I did a search to see if I had any remaining accounts using the password and found my amateur radio call sign … Read more