Ham Radio 360

Almost Every New Ham in the US, it seems, begins their jump into the hobby with the Low-Cost Chinese handi-talkie (HT).  In many cases they soon find themselves looking for a more user-friendly option.  What features do they look for? What's important-what's not?

Ed Bradshaw, W4EDF, has some well thought out opinions on the subject and shares them with us in Episode 37.

You may remember mentions of Ed throughout our programs over the first season.  Well, it's Season 2 and here he is.  Like most of us new guys, Ed's working it all out for his specific end goals-with the obligatory stumbling blocks provided by the Game of Life.

This show was not an attempt to disregard the intro-level HT, but a means to help those along looking for an Upgrade.  We all like new toys, right?  After listening to Episode 36, Ed determined it was time to delve into DStar and purchased himself the ICOM I-51a Plus (shown above).

From battery chemistry and charging circuits, to display size and memory banks-we discuss the ins and outs of the higher end Handi-Talkies.  We touch on most current models and try to highlight their commonalities and differences.

Not all HT's are created equal, and if you've been licensed for any length of time, you pretty much know that.  Some new operators may need some help wading through the morass of spec's and that's the purpose of this show!

 

 

As Mentioned:

Linux in the HamShack Podcast

Episode 36-DStar

ARRL QST Magazine

KF7IJZ You Tube Channel

The ID-51A Plus uses 2.5A while transmitting 5W. The charger is rated at 2A.  That is the reason you don't want to use it for anything but charging.  You would probably be OK on lower power but it's best to have a dedicated power source.

Icom says that you can use the car charger for operation but the manual states: "NOTE: Up to 5 W (approximately) of maximum out-put power is possible when using external DC power. However, when the supply voltage exceeds 14 V, the built-in protection circuit activates to reduce the transmit output power to approximately 2.5 W."

So, as always, check your manual before using your charger during transmit.

 

Thanks for listening, sharing, subscribing, reviewing and supporting!

73 Y'all

K4CDN

Ham Radio: Digital Radio-DStar and more!

Jeremy (KF7IJZ) and George (KJ6VU) hold down the fort while Cale is away.  This DStar-Digital Radio program is something we've been discussing for what seems like forever.  It took me handing over the reigns to finally make it happen!

The guys spend some time breaking it all down for all to understand.  If you are interested or know someone who is interested in DStar, this is the show you need to hear!

It's a longer show than we normally do, but stick around-there's a lot to learn!

DStar The Four Call Signs;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYJ3T3g10w

DStar Info:

http://www.dstarinfo.com/

DStar Registration Information:

http://www.dstargateway.org/D-Star_Registration.html

DStar Reflectors:

http://www.dstarinfo.com/reflectors.aspx

D-Rats Software:

http://www.d-rats.com/

Raspberry PI DStar Node/HotSpot/DVAP Image Download Links:

http://www.westerndstar.co.uk/html/downloads.html

DVMega Boards;

http://www.dvmega.auria.nl/

DVAP Information:

http://www.dvapdongle.com/DV_Access_Point_Dongle/Home.html

DVDongle:

http://www.dvdongle.com/DV_Dongle/Home.html

DVRPTR1:

http://dvrptr.net/

Yahoo Groups for DStar Hotspots and Software:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/gmsk_dv_node/info

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/pcrepeatercontroller/info

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ircDDBGateway/info

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/DVAPDongle/info

 

Thanks for Listening and Sharing-

73, Y'all!

K4CDN

Happy International Podcast Day from the Other Ham Radio Podcast!

Wow, talk about lemons to lemonade!  My Grandiose Plan was brought to nil when the PC crashed the day before we celebrate International #Podcastday .

So, I did what any good host would do....I pressed Record anyways!

In this Special Edition show we chat with Richard Lenoir of Main Trading Company! 

Richard gives us the history of Main Trading Company as well as some KILLER DEALS on 3 Big Sale items!

With my PC dead the Skype audio was a no-go, so please forgive the phone bridge feed!  in spite of the hiccups I hope you enjoy the show and have a Happy International Podcast day!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

73 y'all! K4CDN

Episode 35, Ham Radio QSL'ing and Logging.  George (KJ6VU) and Nick (N3WG) join me as we continue our series of "Making DX Work".   In this installment we discuss all things QSL'ing and Logging your contacts.

Do you need QSL cards?  What Software should you use?  Is there an App for that?   We answer those questions and more in Episode 35!

Electronic QSL'ing and Logging?  Yep, folks are there.  Here are some show links:

Pignology

Sierra Radio Systems

N3FJP

HRD

Log4OM

N1MM

eQSL

 

Thanks for Listening!  Remember to Share with your friends and review where you listen/subscribe!

 

73,

Cale/K4CDN

Episode 34: DX-peditions with Marty Woll, N6VI (Vice-Director, ARRL Southwestern Division) featuring guest host Jeremy, KF7IJZ!  Marty joins Jeremy to share with us the experiences of his many DX-peditions!

Marty, N6VI, has been a traveling ambassador for Ham Radio for years!  Give a listen to learn the tricks and tips for anyone thinking of trying their hand with a DX-pedition!

Jeremy, KF7IJZ, takes the hosting duties in Episode 34, with Outstanding Results!  Don't miss this show, Tons of Information and Education packed in here!

A Big Thank-You to Marty and Jeremy for bringing us this program!

NG3K DX-pedition Listings

DXpeditions.org

DX News.com

Thanks for Listening, Sharing, Reviewing and Liking our program!

Don't forget the Voicemail button on the right sidebar if you have a comment or question!

Cale on Prepper Recon Podcast

73 y'all

K4CDN

Ham Radio Contesting!  Building on our last conversation with Bruce Jewett, W1GQ, we delve into Contesting in the Amateur Radio bands!

Contesting is a Viable aspect of the Hobby, and it's Bruce's favorite part of Ham Radio!  Sit back and enjoy the ride as W1GQ schools us on the tips and tricks of successful Contesting on HF!

ARRL Contesting found here

"Nothing but Fun!"  Contesting is open to everyone, and not something you should pass off.  No matter the size of your station, give contesting a try!as mentioned:

K3LR

W3LPL

Morse Runner

N1NM Software

 

DX, what is it? ....Working the Distant Station (DX).  DX Tips, Tricks, Tools, Awards and more are discussed in this installment.  If you've ever wanted to know more about chasing and working DX, this is your chance to learn from one of the best!

We all start somewhere; the bug bites-and it's on!  Bruce Jewett got the bug as a kid when he was invited in to see his neighbors shack, Don Wallace, W6AM (sk).  He's never been the same.

From his humble beginnings as a teen with a low-slung wire and a key, Bruce has been in love with DX'ing and CW.  Join us as Bruce shares the in's and out's of DX'ing and how this Award-Winning Contester get's it done!

Mentioned in the show:

ARRL DXCC Award

DX Summit Cluster

DX Watch Cluster

Learn Morse Code

SKCC

W6AM Don Wallace Documentary

Thanks for listening,  downloading, commenting,  and sharing!

73 Y'all

K4CDN

Episode 31: Ham Radio & Scouting

Rick DeWeese (KJ4WHO) is more than a Scout Master .  He's also an Amateur Radio Operator and a Podcaster from Upstate South Carolina.  Rick and I 'met' on Facebook not long after Fo Time went live.  We've kicked the idea of getting together for a show for almost a year now...and here it is.

His Troop, known as the "Amateur Radio Troop" is led by Rick and his assistant, who is also a Ham.  Join us as we discuss how He compliments his Scouting with the Magic of Ham Radio.

In many of the past shows we've tried to nail down ways to bring today's youth into Ham Radio.  In Episode 31 Rick shares his insight and methods  for involving kids with the hobby.

JOTA

Rick's BrushnSoapnBlade Podcast

Find a Local Troop

Royal Rangers

Trail Life

Radio Merit Badge

Electricity Merit Badge

Electronics Merit Badge

Thanks for Listening,

Cale, K4CDN

 

 

KB1HQS in Print! Click for more info

Season 2 is in full swing with the addition of Episode 30!

Jeremy, KF7IJZ is back to educate us on Portable Solar Power for Ham Radio Operators!  Stop scratching your head, trying to figure out what it'll take to get you on Portable Solar Power.  Spend an hour with us and get your questions answered!

 

Jeremy host his KF7IJZ YouTube Channel and it's chock full of Portable Solar Power information.  Make sure to give it a visit!

A Portable  Solar Power Primer

 

Genasun Solar

PowerFilm

 

the USB adapter as mentioned in the show

 

Thanks for Listening!

K4CDN

Power Pole the World

KB1HQS in Print! Click for more info

Episode 29:

MPD Digital is a US Manufacturer of US Made Coax Cable Assemblies.  Veteran Owned and Operated, the Nelsons take great pride in their products and offer stellar customer service!

From a humble start in the spare bedroom to a modern 5,000sq/ft assembly house.  Kim and Ray Nelson offer some of the finest Coax Cable products available.

They can add your call sign too!

 

From standard lengths and connectors to custom, one-off orders MPD Digital can fill your Coax Cable needs!

Make sure to visit the custom assembly site mentioned in the show!

USACoax.com

 

A Special Thank You to the Nelsons for coming on the show to help us better understand one our hobby's necessities: Coax!

MPD Digital ebay store

MPD Digital on Facebook

MPD Digital on Twitter

 

Stick around for a Field Day Packtenna Report!  Thanks Bret-N9LPT

 MPD Digital Coax Assemblies now on Amazon!

 

Did you hear Cale on the School of Podcasting?

Remember to Share the show with your Friends and Followers!  Thanks for listening!

73, K4CDN