XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

Amateur/Ham Radio

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Weekly Information / Mentor / New License Thread

Posted: 09 May 2022 06:00 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/ulqowy/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 Rules, FAQs, and look over our Wiki Page as your question might have already been answered. Also, check
out our guidelines about posting personal information.

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
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Snowy activation today of W7O/CC-001

Posted: 10 May 2022 08:04 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umzzai/snowy_activation_today_of_w7occ001/

submitted by /u/grilledch33z
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Picked up my 40' at US Tower today.

Posted: 10 May 2022 02:19 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umt2tq/picked_up_my_40_at_us_tower_today/

submitted by /u/Mad_Garden_Gnome
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Thought you folks might like the mic I just picked up

Posted: 10 May 2022 06:00 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umxmrw/thought_you_folks_might_like_the_mic_i_just/

submitted by /u/PSYKO_Inc
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Riding out COVID with a new radio

Posted: 10 May 2022 07:20 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umz5ow/riding_out_covid_with_a_new_radio/

submitted by /u/SlowlyAHipster
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My $50 find.

Posted: 10 May 2022 02:24 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umt6vd/my_50_find/

submitted by /u/2WR0426
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Charger cradle teardown: Yaesu CD-41 vs Baofeng CH-5

Posted: 10 May 2022 08:50 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umltpb/charger_cradle_teardown_yaesu_cd41_vs_baofeng_ch5/

submitted by /u/WaterstarRunner
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First time on HF, disappointing experience

Posted: 10 May 2022 02:58 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umtxti/first_time_on_hf_disappointing_experience/


I finally got my first HF radio set up, and so far its been a
disappointment. Im not sure if this is normal, or if my radio or antenna
arent working right, but I can only hear a few stations on 40m and 20m, and almost no one seems to hear me. Im using a G90 radio (20 watts) with the
20W version of K6ARKs EFHW antenna kit. The wire is up about 25 feet in
some trees in my yard. Except for one pre-arranged contact on 40m with
someone local, I havent been able to contact anybody.
The radios set for max output power. SWR is good, close to 1:1. Noise floor
is around S2-S4 depending on the band.
Ive been using web SDRs to listen for my own transmissions. This morning my
40m transmissions came through OK at one local SDR and also a second about
300 miles away, and very faintly from a couple more distant stations. But
40m has my worst noise floor, so I cant hear much.
Whats really weird is that my 20m and 15m transmissions dont seem to be
heard anywhere, either local SDRs or SDRs a few states away. Ive yet to
find an SDR that heard even a whisper of my 20m or 15m transmissions. Those transmissions just go somewhere to die, which is disappointing since those bands offer better noise floors for me.
Im not hearing much, either. Most of what I hear is digital stuff. The
voice and CW stuff Ive managed to catch is almost all from within my own
city. Theres some activity on 40 and 20, but 15 and 10 are almost
completely silent.
At the moment I dont have any capability for digital modes, or any other
radio or antenna gear I can substitute to try to see how it changes things. Could this be an antenna problem - its not high enough, its in a bad spot,
etc? Or Ive just picked a bad time for propagation conditions? Or newbie operator error? Or this is all normal, and my expectations were just
wrong? submitted by /u/blinkybit
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Help with new tube transcievers

Posted: 10 May 2022 06:06 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umxqyl/help_with_new_tube_transcievers/


I recently came into possession of four tube transceivers and three power supplies. I have three Swan 350s, two Swan 117XC power supplies, one Tempo
One, and a Tempo One power supply. I havent tried the Tempo, its power
supply, or the second 117XC, but Ive powered up one 117XC with a grounded
power cord I bought on Ebay and determined that all three of the Swans will
at least work on receive.
One of the Swans works fine, the other two shock the hell out of me. Not
really badly but one puts a voltage of about 100 VAC onto the case and a plugged in microphone. The other is less but still charges things. I also notice that a non contact voltage tester indicates extremely high voltage around the good one and the power supply while theyre plugged in - as in,
it indicates extremely high voltage from multiple inches away from the case
in open air. This is concerning, but Ive used it extensively on receive
without dying yet, and I dont see any indication with a multimeter of a
very high voltage on the exterior so Im wondering if this is a nuance of
tubes Im not aware of.
Questions: Why is there a high voltage present with the NCV? Why do the
other two Swans likely have "high" voltage on their cases/exterior
components? How do I safely ground these radios? One has a cut piece of
copper braid coming off it attached to a bolt in the case. Any other info
about how I can set this up optimally is appreciated. submitted by /u/RandomTerrariumEvent
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Yaesu FT 65R P1-P4 button programming question

Posted: 10 May 2022 10:29 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/un2eb4/yaesu_ft_65r_p1p4_button_programming_question/


I recently purchased a FT-65R radio and am finally delving into setting up
the P1-P4 buttons. I was trying to set up one of them to be a quick
shortcut to the CTCSS settings, but I am noticing that while I can get to
that menu, Im not able to select/change either of the values (TX/RX). The F
key that usually lets you select an option just kicks you back out of the
menu. Coincidentally the only thing I can find online about this is another user posting basically the same question over on Quora and of course it had
no answers. Does anyone know of a work around here, or is there a better
way to setup these P1- P4 buttons? What Functions do you have assigned to yours? Any guidance or suggestions are welcome and appreciated! Thank
you! submitted by /u/2mitts
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W8GVU - Big Sable Lighthouse Activation

Posted: 10 May 2022 10:58 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umonzn/w8gvu_big_sable_lighthouse_activation/


This weekend from 14 May (0000 GMT ) - 15 May (1500 GMT) Grand Valley State University Amateur Radio Council will be operating from Big Sable
Lighthouse in Ludington, Michigan, USA under the callsign W8GVU. This will
be a dual ARLHS and POTA activation. The ARLHS # is USA 054 and the POTA #
is K-1516 Ludington State Park. We will be operating with 2 stations on SSB Phone and 1-2 Stations on digital modes. We should have operators on the
air for the entire time that the activation is occurring. We will be
spotting on N3FJP, HamSpots, POTA, and the club Twitter and QRZ page. QSL
for a special card specifically designed for this event! Expected Operating frequencies are as follows pending conditions. there is no guarantee that
we will operate on these frequencies, however, we will update them if
something drastic changes:
SSB Phone +/- 100 kHz (Approximate): 40m 7.270 LSB 20m 14.270 USB 15m
21.370 USB 10m 28.370
FT8/FT4 (Standard FT8/FT4 Freqs no Fox/Hound all USB) Cutoff ~500hz-3000hz
80m 30m 20m 17m 6m (Daytime only or as conditions allow)
SSTV (One op is interested) 20m 14.230 submitted by /u/Jaredb0224
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Amateur radio experience useful in getting a job?

Posted: 10 May 2022 08:52 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umlurb/amateur_radio_experience_useful_in_getting_a_job/


Long story short, Im a musician and teacher, seriously considering getting
out of teaching after 20 years. The potential fields that interest me, and
that I think I could do well at are technical writing, programming/web developer, and IT (Im not yet sure what specific area of IT). Im doing a
lot of self study and evaluation since I have no previous experience in
these areas. I am wondering if there is any value in using the skills Ive learned as an Extra class ham. I feel there is some basic technical
knowledge there that could come in useful, but Im not sure exactly what.
Any suggestions, or are my experiences in this hobby not really relevant to anything else? submitted by /u/SonicResidue
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Ideas for introducing kids to Amateur Radio

Posted: 10 May 2022 12:14 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umqb09/ideas_for_introducing_kids_to_amateur_radio/


The local library is hosting an event for children, and we want to
demonstrate amateur radio at it. Unfortunately, its in a basement, with no
room on site for a HF antenna. Were planning on taking a 2m HT and having
club members monitor the local repeater, an SSTV demo, and Im taking some
FRS radios so the kids can play radio without stepping on any legal toes.
What else can you suggest might be a fun demonstration? Well have internet access and power, just nowhere to stick a HF antenna. We are considering
having a remote HF setup, but that will depend on the quality of the wifi,
and, tbh, doesnt look all that impressive. submitted by /u/RoadieRich
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How do you connect with contacts?

Posted: 10 May 2022 09:51 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umn6t8/how_do_you_connect_with_contacts/


I finally got a qso from somebody who wasnt a net control operator. But it
was by pure luck, apparently. I was surfing the band looking for unused frequencies and calling cq 5 or 6 times before finding another open
frequency. I did this for probably an hour before I finally landed a qso.
Is there a better way? Ive heard of waterfalls and Im sure that would be a
big help but I dont have the privilege of having one of those. My FT-891
has a band sweep function but its never been helpful. submitted by /u/FitTransportation48
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Recommendations for power while camping.

Posted: 10 May 2022 03:08 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umu5uz/recommendations_for_power_while_camping/


I go camping a few times a year and am thinking about how to setup power
for my VHF/UHF and/or 10 meter rig.
I am talking about basic state park/forest service type campgrounds where
the car is right there. So weight and portability are not a huge issue for
me. I only go camping 2 or 3 times a year max, so I am not looking to spend
a ton of money.
I suppose I could just run off the car battery but I dont love that idea because to avoid killing the battery it seems like Id have to idle the car
a lot, that doesnt seem a very neighborly thing to do.
Could I just buy something inexpensive like this?. Or should I get a car battery or something else?
Then, whats the best way to charge? Solar? If so is there something decent
but not crazy expensive?
Any thoughts at all would be appreciated.
Thanks submitted by /u/beardedpeteusa
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Wolf River coils finally tuned - 40m

Posted: 10 May 2022 07:16 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umjqzd/wolf_river_coils_finally_tuned_40m/

submitted by /u/Dazzling_Clue_2346
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Group activation of Marsh Benchmark after the NorCal SOTA meetup

Posted: 10 May 2022 06:07 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umxrtc/group_activation_of_marsh_benchmark_after_the/

submitted by /u/aa6xa
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Camping on a mountain at 1.850m / 6.000 ft in very uncomfortable conditions
for the VHF/UHF contest.

Posted: 09 May 2022 03:08 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/um2q7n/camping_on_a_mountain_at_1850m_6000_ft_in_very/

submitted by /u/NoahDoah
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Icom hiding the crossband repeat feature on an IC-820H

Posted: 10 May 2022 10:58 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umoo87/icom_hiding_the_crossband_repeat_feature_on_an/


I was reading about the diode-enabled feature options on my IC-820H. There
are a series of diodes on the logic board to enable different features,
which is done according to region. But the crossband repeat isnt on one of these labeled diodes. You have to add a diode to the spot between D27 and
D28. https://i.imgur.com/g74qngl.jpg
This position isnt even labeled in the service manual. https://i.imgur.com/n4ObEGc.jpg
I find this a bit odd, like this model was prototyped for crossband repeat
but didnt really meet the requirements to make it productized. I probably
wont use this feature on this radio, but its interesting to see how this is done. submitted by /u/kc2syk
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1997 dumpster find, what was I playing with?

Posted: 10 May 2022 12:07 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umcrlu/1997_dumpster_find_what_was_i_playing_with/

submitted by /u/TelemetryGeo
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Looking for a handheld portable at low band 29-50MHz for jungle expeditions.

Posted: 10 May 2022 01:05 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umreuh/looking_for_a_handheld_portable_at_low_band/


As the title says I’m looking for where I could get 4-5 VHF low band radios for my group when we go do multi day treks in the jungle. With dense
foliage and mild hill topography we’re hoping that the low band with a
large folding antenna and possible some field expedient antennas will keep
us talking. Appreciate any help submitted by /u/coastiewannabe
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JS8Call assistance

Posted: 10 May 2022 12:57 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umr8nm/js8call_assistance/


Hi all.
Ive been using FT8 on my FT-891 for a while now and wanted to try out
JS8Call. FT8 provides 2 COM ports, 1 for sound and 1 for CAT control. For JS8Call I am not sure which of those COM ports I should be selecting,
Standard, or Enhanced. Also, I am not able to change the Transmit Audio
Source to Rear/Data. That part is grayed out, and Front/Mic seems to be the default. Can anyone give a little help? Thanks.
Steve / K3SLH submitted by /u/pennsteven
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Today is the best day for dx..

Posted: 09 May 2022 03:59 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/um3u9a/today_is_the_best_day_for_dx/


Its been 5/9 all day! submitted by /u/likely_outcome
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Just found a Uniden UBC280 XLT but can't find anyting?

Posted: 10 May 2022 09:28 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/ummocc/just_found_a_uniden_ubc280_xlt_but_cant_find/


Not really sure what Im doing tbh, Im in the UK and I have found a Uniden UBC280XLT scanner in a skip, seems like it works but I cant actually find anything when scanning. Is this just outdated tech or am I doing something wrong? submitted by /u/Competitive-Ad-5156
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What's the best connector?

Posted: 10 May 2022 06:35 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/umivkt/whats_the_best_connector/


New to ham, Ive heard of the different types of connectors, e.g. BNC, but
Im not sure which is best, and which are most supported. Any tips?
submitted by /u/FeeNo3360
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EFHW Antenna Test

Posted: 09 May 2022 12:51 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/ulzms0/efhw_antenna_test/

submitted by /u/jephthai
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