4HV QSO
Hon1nbo, Fri Mar 13 2009, 02:29AMOk, per the request of the mods, this thread is being opened, and it should be easier than using the Sticky...
so here are some thoughts... a lot of people on this board are operators, myself included, but not all of us are in the same part of the world, meaning one of the following:
a high power signal
good propagation characteristics on bands not too congested with contesting
a License class that allows one to use these bands (technician does not have a lot of them, but I do not have a tally on this board of how many there are)...
many of the above scenarios require hardware that some hams don't have, or some upgrades (like my new radio I am getting tomorrow would either need am amp, or some pretty serious propagation), therefore I submit the following: for those who would not normally be able to get a signal out, use Echolink connected to some volunteered hardware... this might be able to help, but I am not sure how much... but it would allow those who are not able to otherwise make contact to be involved... just a suggestion
also, before considering a date, I believe that a set of preferred frequencies should be determined first, along with a preliminary date - this way, people can check their hardware for capability, design and propagation considerations for antennas, etc...
I really would love to see this happen... and if I can't buy an amp for my 5W HF I am getting tomorrow, I'll just have to build one
73!, KE5TUZ, Jimmy
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Fri Mar 13 2009, 03:47AM
A good idea. I'm not hugely HF capable at the moment due to severe space restrictions, but I do have a magnetic loop that should work well enough even a few feet off the ground. It covers 80-30m. I also have a center-loaded 20m dipole that should perform just a few dB down from a full half wave. The only problem is that it'll be another month before the snow melts enough to consider putting them in the yard.
Given that the sun has been fairly quiet as of late, 40m might be a good option. 20m has been a bit fickle as far as getting to Europe and Australia from the US, but might be good for those of us closer together.
What modes are people interested in? SSB is easy, but CW does have a definite advantage, especially if some people want to put together cheaper non-linear amps, or perhaps even their own rigs. RTTY is fun and constant-amplitude as well, if we're already assuming that everyone will have a computer handy. Of course, we could all break out the VTTC gear and use AM on 80m.
-NV1D
Chris Russell, Fri Mar 13 2009, 03:47AM
A good idea. I'm not hugely HF capable at the moment due to severe space restrictions, but I do have a magnetic loop that should work well enough even a few feet off the ground. It covers 80-30m. I also have a center-loaded 20m dipole that should perform just a few dB down from a full half wave. The only problem is that it'll be another month before the snow melts enough to consider putting them in the yard.
Given that the sun has been fairly quiet as of late, 40m might be a good option. 20m has been a bit fickle as far as getting to Europe and Australia from the US, but might be good for those of us closer together.
What modes are people interested in? SSB is easy, but CW does have a definite advantage, especially if some people want to put together cheaper non-linear amps, or perhaps even their own rigs. RTTY is fun and constant-amplitude as well, if we're already assuming that everyone will have a computer handy. Of course, we could all break out the VTTC gear and use AM on 80m.
-NV1D
Re: 4HV QSO
RogerInOhio, Fri Mar 13 2009, 01:51PM
Count me in ! I can operate side band or CW (up to about 10 WPM) on the HF bands and I would be willing to try other modes as well. Maybe this will turn into a regular 4HV net.
Roger, KC8FTQ
RogerInOhio, Fri Mar 13 2009, 01:51PM
Count me in ! I can operate side band or CW (up to about 10 WPM) on the HF bands and I would be willing to try other modes as well. Maybe this will turn into a regular 4HV net.
Roger, KC8FTQ
Re: 4HV QSO
David.Lightman, Sat Mar 14 2009, 02:40AM
I realize that privileges and band are critical.
10 meters, 28.120 Mode PSK-31 running 50w I have made contacts all around the East Cost and a few in Euro. Every US Licensed HAM has access to this band and mode.
20 meters, 14.070.15 Mode PSK-31 running 30w I have been able to make contacts as far as Japan, Asiatic Russia, Euro and South America.
40 meters, 7.077 Mode PSK-31 running 30w I have been able to work all around the US and into Euro. and South America.
I am in Northern Ohio. I have the simplest setup imaginable. I have a random loop of #12 electrical wire in my attic connected to an auto-tuner. and an ic-706.
Starting this weekend I will be looking for other 4hv members using these modes and frequencies. Hope to make a contact with you.
We gotta start somewhere. Let me know of other freq. and modes you like and I will try and find you there too.
CQ CQ 4hv CQ CQ 4hv de K8ADW K8ADW pse k
David.Lightman, Sat Mar 14 2009, 02:40AM
I realize that privileges and band are critical.
10 meters, 28.120 Mode PSK-31 running 50w I have made contacts all around the East Cost and a few in Euro. Every US Licensed HAM has access to this band and mode.
20 meters, 14.070.15 Mode PSK-31 running 30w I have been able to make contacts as far as Japan, Asiatic Russia, Euro and South America.
40 meters, 7.077 Mode PSK-31 running 30w I have been able to work all around the US and into Euro. and South America.
I am in Northern Ohio. I have the simplest setup imaginable. I have a random loop of #12 electrical wire in my attic connected to an auto-tuner. and an ic-706.
Starting this weekend I will be looking for other 4hv members using these modes and frequencies. Hope to make a contact with you.
We gotta start somewhere. Let me know of other freq. and modes you like and I will try and find you there too.
CQ CQ 4hv CQ CQ 4hv de K8ADW K8ADW pse k
Re: 4HV QSO
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 04:22PM
Regardless of the above, as announced in the 'Amateur Radio' thread
I shall be on 14.300 USB (or nearby if in use)
at 18:00 and 21:00 UT/UTC/GMT today. CQ
If you can hear me but I can't hear you, or vice-versa, report here in this thread.
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 04:22PM
Regardless of the above, as announced in the 'Amateur Radio' thread
I shall be on 14.300 USB (or nearby if in use)
at 18:00 and 21:00 UT/UTC/GMT today. CQ
If you can hear me but I can't hear you, or vice-versa, report here in this thread.
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Sun Mar 15 2009, 06:21PM
It will be in use for sure. The Maritime Mobile Service net here in the US occupies 14.300 during daylight hours. They might not quite be audible to you, but they'll be within earshot of US hams almost certainly.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Sun Mar 15 2009, 06:21PM
It will be in use for sure. The Maritime Mobile Service net here in the US occupies 14.300 during daylight hours. They might not quite be audible to you, but they'll be within earshot of US hams almost certainly.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 06:32PM
Never mind , I'll try again @21:00
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 06:32PM
Never mind , I'll try again @21:00
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 15 2009, 07:50PM
I'll give a listen at 2100 UTC. I can't promise much, as the antenna will just be laid out in a snowbank, but I'll at least report here if I hear anything.
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 15 2009, 07:50PM
I'll give a listen at 2100 UTC. I can't promise much, as the antenna will just be laid out in a snowbank, but I'll at least report here if I hear anything.
Re: 4HV QSO
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 09:15PM
I doubt ANYONE heard me !
The band sounds quite dead.
Must try to find a better schedule next time.
Any suggestions?
Sulaiman, Sun Mar 15 2009, 09:15PM
I doubt ANYONE heard me !
The band sounds quite dead.
Must try to find a better schedule next time.
Any suggestions?
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 15 2009, 09:22PM
Nothing heard here but locals.
At this hour, 40m would be a much better bet. 30m may still be open if you're up for some CW.
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 15 2009, 09:22PM
Nothing heard here but locals.
At this hour, 40m would be a much better bet. 30m may still be open if you're up for some CW.
Re: 4HV QSO
Scott Fusare, Mon Mar 16 2009, 08:40AM
Have you considered W1JT's WSPR mode? Not QSO friendly but otherwise a lot of fun. 1/2 watt into a
G5RV mini on 30 meters has taken me around the world.
Scott - N2BJW
Scott Fusare, Mon Mar 16 2009, 08:40AM
Have you considered W1JT's WSPR mode? Not QSO friendly but otherwise a lot of fun. 1/2 watt into a
G5RV mini on 30 meters has taken me around the world.
Scott - N2BJW
Re: 4HV QSO
Sulaiman, Mon Mar 16 2009, 07:08PM
Never heard of WSPR before so I googled it,
I cant use WSPR because my analogue-tuning valve-output rig (Kenwood TS-520S)
would never meet the frequency stability requirements.
PSK31 may be ok, but until I get around to connecting an old laptop I got off eBay just for this purpose, I'm limited to cw or ssb.
Sulaiman, Mon Mar 16 2009, 07:08PM
Never heard of WSPR before so I googled it,
I cant use WSPR because my analogue-tuning valve-output rig (Kenwood TS-520S)
would never meet the frequency stability requirements.
PSK31 may be ok, but until I get around to connecting an old laptop I got off eBay just for this purpose, I'm limited to cw or ssb.
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Mon Mar 16 2009, 11:13PM
I'd be fine with a CW contact. I'm probably a bit rusty, around 10wpm or so. I also don't have a decent key at the moment, but that's nothing a computerized keyer can't solve.
A regular CW net would probably help us all get up to speed, but SSB is certainly more relaxed.
Chris Russell, Mon Mar 16 2009, 11:13PM
I'd be fine with a CW contact. I'm probably a bit rusty, around 10wpm or so. I also don't have a decent key at the moment, but that's nothing a computerized keyer can't solve.
A regular CW net would probably help us all get up to speed, but SSB is certainly more relaxed.
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Tue Mar 17 2009, 12:33AM
I should point out that I will be Aeronautical Mobile this coming Friday. Times and frequencies TBA, but it should be a late morning/early afternoon thing in the US, so late afternoon in Europe. I'll have a 30,000' altitude advantage and a few hundred watts. I've worked VKs and JAs on 20m from the Florida area regularly. I imagine I'll be audible to most everyone in the western hemisphere.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Tue Mar 17 2009, 12:33AM
I should point out that I will be Aeronautical Mobile this coming Friday. Times and frequencies TBA, but it should be a late morning/early afternoon thing in the US, so late afternoon in Europe. I'll have a 30,000' altitude advantage and a few hundred watts. I've worked VKs and JAs on 20m from the Florida area regularly. I imagine I'll be audible to most everyone in the western hemisphere.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Thu Mar 19 2009, 07:20PM
Ok guys, update.
AB3I/AM will be on the air from the SE US tomorrow from ~0930 EDT to 1200 EDT (1330z to 1600z) on 14.240 USB +/- QRM.
If you're looking for me, be patient, I have to give my attention to my actual job on the aircraft first. I'll get on the air when things settle down and we're happily on station.
This timing and location should be ideal for our European hams and folks on the east coast out to probably about the Mississippi River.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Thu Mar 19 2009, 07:20PM
Ok guys, update.
AB3I/AM will be on the air from the SE US tomorrow from ~0930 EDT to 1200 EDT (1330z to 1600z) on 14.240 USB +/- QRM.
If you're looking for me, be patient, I have to give my attention to my actual job on the aircraft first. I'll get on the air when things settle down and we're happily on station.
This timing and location should be ideal for our European hams and folks on the east coast out to probably about the Mississippi River.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Thu Mar 19 2009, 07:44PM
Excellent news. I've made a post about it on the front page. I know I will be looking for Dave, so I'll post here if/when I pick him up, along with a frequency. Of course, anyone who isn't a ham is still free to listen in if they have a receiver.
Would there be any interest in setting up a streaming station, so people can hear what's going on on my end? There's not enough time to set up an echolink node, sadly, but I could at least let others listen in, for those who may be interested.
Edit: Nothing heard here. The band may be too long today. Hopefully other folks are having better luck.
Chris Russell, Thu Mar 19 2009, 07:44PM
Excellent news. I've made a post about it on the front page. I know I will be looking for Dave, so I'll post here if/when I pick him up, along with a frequency. Of course, anyone who isn't a ham is still free to listen in if they have a receiver.
Would there be any interest in setting up a streaming station, so people can hear what's going on on my end? There's not enough time to set up an echolink node, sadly, but I could at least let others listen in, for those who may be interested.
Edit: Nothing heard here. The band may be too long today. Hopefully other folks are having better luck.
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Fri Mar 20 2009, 08:43PM
I didn't catch any 4HV members, but I did work 45 stations in 19 states and 4 countries, primarily the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, I had to bounce around a little due to QRM, but was primarily operating on 14.237 and 14.240.50.
I knocked out 3 more states on my way to WAS Air Mobile. I believe I need 4 more states now.
There were a number of European DX stations audible, and I did work a couple of them. Ukraine being the most uncommon of the bunch.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Fri Mar 20 2009, 08:43PM
I didn't catch any 4HV members, but I did work 45 stations in 19 states and 4 countries, primarily the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, I had to bounce around a little due to QRM, but was primarily operating on 14.237 and 14.240.50.
I knocked out 3 more states on my way to WAS Air Mobile. I believe I need 4 more states now.
There were a number of European DX stations audible, and I did work a couple of them. Ukraine being the most uncommon of the bunch.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
sparky99, Sat Mar 21 2009, 08:53PM
Damn, I've been away from the board for a while & missed this. I'm a ham with 160-10 Meter capability. Is anyone going to set up a regular sked? It would be fun to talk with the folks here on 4HV.org.
tnx & 73 de bob,
N2OAM
sparky99, Sat Mar 21 2009, 08:53PM
Damn, I've been away from the board for a while & missed this. I'm a ham with 160-10 Meter capability. Is anyone going to set up a regular sked? It would be fun to talk with the folks here on 4HV.org.
tnx & 73 de bob,
N2OAM
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 22 2009, 12:50AM
I think I caught a piece of Dave; I did hear a station identify as aeronautical mobile around 14.237, but it vanished back down below the noise before I could hear anything else. Probably not-so-hot propagation combined with very sub-ideal antenna placement. Once the snow melts I'll be in a much better position to try something better. Hope you other folks can set something up while I'm waiting for the big thaw.
Chris Russell, Sun Mar 22 2009, 12:50AM
Dave Marshall wrote ...
I didn't catch any 4HV members, but I did work 45 stations in 19 states and 4 countries, primarily the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, I had to bounce around a little due to QRM, but was primarily operating on 14.237 and 14.240.50.
I knocked out 3 more states on my way to WAS Air Mobile. I believe I need 4 more states now.
There were a number of European DX stations audible, and I did work a couple of them. Ukraine being the most uncommon of the bunch.
Dave
I didn't catch any 4HV members, but I did work 45 stations in 19 states and 4 countries, primarily the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, I had to bounce around a little due to QRM, but was primarily operating on 14.237 and 14.240.50.
I knocked out 3 more states on my way to WAS Air Mobile. I believe I need 4 more states now.
There were a number of European DX stations audible, and I did work a couple of them. Ukraine being the most uncommon of the bunch.
Dave
I think I caught a piece of Dave; I did hear a station identify as aeronautical mobile around 14.237, but it vanished back down below the noise before I could hear anything else. Probably not-so-hot propagation combined with very sub-ideal antenna placement. Once the snow melts I'll be in a much better position to try something better. Hope you other folks can set something up while I'm waiting for the big thaw.
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Sun Mar 22 2009, 01:19PM
I'll be /AM again this coming week if I remember correctly. I'll have to look at my schedule on Monday and find out for sure when my next flight is. I'll post details as soon as I can.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Sun Mar 22 2009, 01:19PM
I'll be /AM again this coming week if I remember correctly. I'll have to look at my schedule on Monday and find out for sure when my next flight is. I'll post details as soon as I can.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
Dave Marshall, Tue Mar 24 2009, 04:19PM
Another crack at /AM here tomorrow (Wednesday the 25th) between 1200z and 1700z. I'll aim for the same part of the band, 14.240 +/- QRM (I could be 50KHz to either side, so move around and look for the pileup).
I'll be in roughly the same area, this time southern Georgia/Alabama.
Dave
Dave Marshall, Tue Mar 24 2009, 04:19PM
Another crack at /AM here tomorrow (Wednesday the 25th) between 1200z and 1700z. I'll aim for the same part of the band, 14.240 +/- QRM (I could be 50KHz to either side, so move around and look for the pileup).
I'll be in roughly the same area, this time southern Georgia/Alabama.
Dave
Re: 4HV QSO
hotcrazyfruit, Fri Mar 27 2009, 10:26PM
if i wanted to get my license and a ham radio, how much would it cost? and how would i go about getting a license and a radio? any direction is appreciated, thanks
Nick.
hotcrazyfruit, Fri Mar 27 2009, 10:26PM
if i wanted to get my license and a ham radio, how much would it cost? and how would i go about getting a license and a radio? any direction is appreciated, thanks
Nick.
Re: 4HV QSO
Hon1nbo, Fri Mar 27 2009, 10:45PM
if you look around, Google will always have an answer...
but here are the basics (for the US at least, I don't know where you are):
$15 - this is the Volunteer Examiner (or VE for short) fee... this is just for him to administer the exam, and it is the only current cost
for entry level, known as Technician Class, there is a 35 Multiple Choice Exam of which you must get 26 right - it covers basic electronic theory, rules and safety , and proper operation - this is not too much information to master, as a lot of it is common sense, especially in the safety related questions such as "When do you service a Crank up Antenna Tower: A) when it is fully cranked up, B) when it is transmitting, C) when it is near Power Lines, or D) when fully lowered and disconnected from a transmitter"
as for the other requirements, they are as follows (again for the US Citizens)
- a ULS account on the FCC website (makes things simpler, such as not having to carry your social Security Card with you) - this gives you an FRM, which is specific to you and will identify you to the people processing your application
- a valid photo ID, which needs to be photocopied
- an application form (many examiners have their own, or have them already - IIRC it is FCC Form 605, if you need to fill it out ahead of time)
each session is administered by three Volunteer Examiners, not Feds... $15 (which is a new fee) covers taking the exam, and if you pass you can take the next License Class up without paying again, then again if you pass the second exam.
hope this helps
73, KE5TUZ, Jimmy
Hon1nbo, Fri Mar 27 2009, 10:45PM
hotcrazyfruit wrote ...
if i wanted to get my license and a ham radio, how much would it cost? and how would i go about getting a license and a radio? any direction is appreciated, thanks
Nick.
if i wanted to get my license and a ham radio, how much would it cost? and how would i go about getting a license and a radio? any direction is appreciated, thanks
Nick.
if you look around, Google will always have an answer...
but here are the basics (for the US at least, I don't know where you are):
$15 - this is the Volunteer Examiner (or VE for short) fee... this is just for him to administer the exam, and it is the only current cost
for entry level, known as Technician Class, there is a 35 Multiple Choice Exam of which you must get 26 right - it covers basic electronic theory, rules and safety , and proper operation - this is not too much information to master, as a lot of it is common sense, especially in the safety related questions such as "When do you service a Crank up Antenna Tower: A) when it is fully cranked up, B) when it is transmitting, C) when it is near Power Lines, or D) when fully lowered and disconnected from a transmitter"
as for the other requirements, they are as follows (again for the US Citizens)
- a ULS account on the FCC website (makes things simpler, such as not having to carry your social Security Card with you) - this gives you an FRM, which is specific to you and will identify you to the people processing your application
- a valid photo ID, which needs to be photocopied
- an application form (many examiners have their own, or have them already - IIRC it is FCC Form 605, if you need to fill it out ahead of time)
each session is administered by three Volunteer Examiners, not Feds... $15 (which is a new fee) covers taking the exam, and if you pass you can take the next License Class up without paying again, then again if you pass the second exam.
hope this helps
73, KE5TUZ, Jimmy
Re: 4HV QSO
David.Lightman, Sat Apr 04 2009, 01:57PM
How many people run HF digital? It would be nice to setup a digital sked and run PSK-31 on 20m or 80m. I had some great success making contacts with PSK, Olivia and Hell last night on 80m.. 10m seems to be open here and there, for those techs that want to try out digital.
D.L
David.Lightman, Sat Apr 04 2009, 01:57PM
How many people run HF digital? It would be nice to setup a digital sked and run PSK-31 on 20m or 80m. I had some great success making contacts with PSK, Olivia and Hell last night on 80m.. 10m seems to be open here and there, for those techs that want to try out digital.
D.L
Re: 4HV QSO
Tonskulus, Thu May 21 2009, 11:32AM
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Tonskulus, Thu May 21 2009, 11:32AM
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Thu May 21 2009, 02:20PM
Where are you, Tonskulus? And how's your CW? Would be interesting to try for an 80m QSO in the not too distant future.
Chris Russell, Thu May 21 2009, 02:20PM
Tonskulus wrote ...
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Where are you, Tonskulus? And how's your CW? Would be interesting to try for an 80m QSO in the not too distant future.
Re: 4HV QSO
Tonskulus, Thu May 21 2009, 03:40PM
Im living in Finalnd. Currently I dont have antenna assembly but I will make one soon. Horizonal wire antenna maybe.
Tonskulus, Thu May 21 2009, 03:40PM
Chris Russell wrote ...
Where are you, Tonskulus? And how's your CW? Would be interesting to try for an 80m QSO in the not too distant future.
Tonskulus wrote ...
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Hmm, I only have antique transceiver from WW2 service. I can listen SSB with it but it transmits only CW or AM at 20Watts. 1.6MHz-6MHz. 160, 80 and 40meters. However, it works so i can try to make some qso's with you people..:)
Where are you, Tonskulus? And how's your CW? Would be interesting to try for an 80m QSO in the not too distant future.
Im living in Finalnd. Currently I dont have antenna assembly but I will make one soon. Horizonal wire antenna maybe.
Re: 4HV QSO
Chris Russell, Thu May 21 2009, 05:48PM
No rush. I'm in the middle of planning for a big move, so I will be antenna-less for a while.
Chris Russell, Thu May 21 2009, 05:48PM
No rush. I'm in the middle of planning for a big move, so I will be antenna-less for a while.
Re: 4HV QSO
Steve Conner, Mon May 25 2009, 09:49AM
Hey Tonskulus
Scotland isn't that far from Finland, I bet we could work each other fine on 80m. My ham shack is dismantled just now, but it wouldn't take long to hook up some sort of antenna.
Steve Conner, Mon May 25 2009, 09:49AM
Hey Tonskulus
Scotland isn't that far from Finland, I bet we could work each other fine on 80m. My ham shack is dismantled just now, but it wouldn't take long to hook up some sort of antenna.
Print this page