Category Archives: Featured

This category is for featured articles that we want to include in the sidebars and other areas on our website.

How N1FD.ORG Works – The Basics

August 4, 2017 Fred Kemmerer

Ever wonder what goes into building and operating a modern website like n1fd.org? I thought that it might be interesting to share how we approached the design and operation of our club website, n1fd.org. A better understanding of how n1fd.org works will help you to get the most out of using it.

The Basics

The basics of how n1fd.org works are pretty simple. The video that follows tells this part of our story well.

We’re not going to get into the details of HTML, servers or DNS. These systems all work behind these scenes to make n1fd.org and other websites work.

Most modern websites are about delivering a content-centric user experience. Such sites are media rich and include graphic and video content, are very responsive and are easy to use. Also, continuously updated content is the hallmark of high quality, modern websites. The combination of these capabilities is referred to as a Content Management System or CMS.

We choose WordPress as the basis for n1fd.org because we wanted to create a modern website which made it easy for all of our club members to create and share media rich content about Amateur Radio. WordPress is a feature rich, open-source based system which is easily extended to do this and much more. WordPress is easily made secure, responsive, and it produces a great looking website.

Much of the slide material which follows comes from an excellent online Introduction to WordPress.

How Does It Work?

Most modern websites have two basic parts – a Frontend and a Backend. Most of us spend our time using with the Frontend to view content on a website.

Basic CMS-Based Website Elements — CMS-Based Website Elements

The website’s administrators and the folks who create the content for the website use the Backend. If you have written an article on our Blog for our newsletter, you have already used n1fd.org’s Backend to create it!

Where Are The Page and Post Files?

This might be the first question you would ask if you have worked with a previous generation web server. The answer is, well, there aren’t any… WordPress generates pages on the fly as we click on links and other interactive elements on n1fd.org.

Basic WordPress CMS Architecture — Basic WordPress Architecture

All WordPress websites including n1fd.org have three basic components that work together to generate the HTML pages that we view in our browser –

An Apache Web Server – orchestrates the steps to create and deliver web pages to our browser (client)
A PHP Applications Server – runs PHP scripts that generate the HTML and other dynamic web page elements
A MySQL Database Server – stores image and video metadata, text, configuration data, and user specific information. MySQL data controls the generation of the pages which we view in our browsers.

All of this seems kind of complicated doesn’t it? Fortunately, WordPress takes care of all of this technical stuff behind the scenes. All we need to do is work with the Backend of n1fd.org to create and deliver our content.

Extending WordPress Functionality

The PHP script and database approach that WordPress takes makes it very easy to extend to include new functionality.

Installed Plugins — WordPress Plugins Extend Base Functionality

Plugins provided by WordPress developers extend WordPress’s basic functionality. WordPress’s plugin architecture has spawned thousands of great plugins to do just about anything that you can imagine. More on WordPress plugins and themes in a future article in this series.

Website Look and Feel Through Themes

Did you know that WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the Internet? This is a pretty amazing statistic when you stop to think about it.

How N1FD.ORG Works - Themes on WordPress.org — Themes on WordPress.org

So how can this be? Wouldn’t many of the sites on the Internet look similar if this were true? The final basic piece of every WordPress website is a Theme. Themes control the basic layout, look and feel of a WordPress website. There are literally thousands of Themes to choose from. A good WordPress theme will automatically adapt your content to work on mobile devices, TVs, and other devices, reformatting your content and adjusting for alternative input devices as needed. You can literally change the look and basic function of a WordPress website by simply changing the Theme used.

What Do We Mean By Dynamic Content?

One of the coolest things about how n1fd.org works is the constantly changing content on each page. Header images, lists of articles, comments and forum posts, and many other things change constantly as we move from page to page.

How N1FD.ORG Works - Website Construction — Homepage on n1fd.org

It would be impossible to do this without WordPress’s use of applications server, database, and PHP scripts. There are literally thousands of lines of PHP code that are executed each time some visits n1fd.org!

We use the CMS capabilities of WordPress to allow everyone in our club to create new content (Articles, Forum Posts, Comments, Image Collections, Videos, …) and WordPress uses all of this constantly updated content to create a fresh experience for each of us each time we visit n1fd.org.

That’s it for this article in the How N1FD.ORG Works series. Next up, we’ll look at how we built n1fd.org’s basic look and functionality.

Fred, AB1OC

Education and Training, Featured, General, Newsletter, Youth Activities

ARRL Board Explores Entry-Level License Options…

August 3, 2017 Fred Kemmerer

Looks like the ARRL Board is headed in the right direction on Amateur Radio License changes to make Amateur Radio more accessible to new people and you folks.

Reposted by: Fred, AB1OC

Source: ARRL Board Explores Entry-Level License Options, Ways to Face Future Challenges

Meeting July 21-22 in Farmington, Connecticut, the ARRL Board of Directors took steps to chart a firmer future for Amateur Radio by enhancing the value of the entry-level license and by providing ongoing support for new licensees. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, chaired the second regular meeting of 2017.

“The general goal here is to have an entry-level license that offers a way for a newcomer to experience multiple facets of Amateur Radio,” the committee’s report said, “encouraging them to get on the air, meet other licensees, and engage in a lifetime of learning while using Amateur Radio.”ARRL New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, presented the report of the Ad Hoc Entry-Level License Committee. He said the committee’s initial, informal survey attracted nearly 7,900 responses. A second random survey drew another 375 responses. “A clear majority favored a revision to the Technician rather than a new entry-level license,” the committee’s report said, noting that this would require no change to the Technician examination, which already covers more material than necessary for an entry-level examination.

“This choice requires the simplest revision to FCC rules,” the committee report said. The committee suggested expanded digital access on 80, 40, and 15 meters, where Technicians already have CW access, as well as the addition of Technician phone privileges on those bands. Frenaye pointed out that while the Amateur Radio population is growing, the annual rate of growth has stagnated at about 1%. “There is a general consensus…that something needs to happen,'” the committee’s report said, noting a generally favorable attitude toward attracting newcomers.

Later in the meeting, the Board charged the ARRL Executive Committee with developing a plan to implement the ad hoc committee’s recommendation to make the current Technician class license more attractive and useful by expanding its operating privileges on HF to include phone and digital modes. The Board asked the Ad Hoc Entry-Level License Committee to further research and develop the details of a second recommendation to improve successful outreach to prospective radio amateurs and help them through the licensing process.

SOTA/POTA Activation of Mount Washington (6,288′)

July 30, 2017 Jamey Finchum

In the winter I really enjoy operating from my shack. But in the summer I’m finding that I really love operating mobile and portable – getting out in the great outdoors. I’m very excited about our upcoming SOTA/POTA activation of Mount Washington on Saturday, August 26th, 2017. If you enjoy portable or mobile operation or even just being outdoors with great people this is the event for you!

The top of Mount Washington sits at 6,288 feet above sea level. It is the highest peak east of the Mississippi and north of the Carolinas and is known for some of the “worst weather in the world”. We’re hoping that doesn’t hold true on the 26th. Don’t let the weather or the altitude deter you as there are several ways up the mountain.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway:

The unique way up the mountain is from the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Mt. Washington’s cog railway is the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway. Also, it is the second steepest rack railway in the world with an average grade of 25% and a maximum grade of over 37%!

The Mount Washington Cog Railway Access Road is located off Rte. 302 in Bretton Woods and trips begin at 8:00 am and run through 4:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website.

Drive Yourself:

SOTA - Mount Washington Auto Road — Mount Washington Auto Road

The Mount Washington Auto Road is located in Gorham, New Hampshire on the other side of the mountain from the Cog Railway. The auto road is open from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm on August 26th and rates start at $29 for a car and driver and go up from there.

This drive is not for the faint of heart! There are panoramic views and you will travel through four distinct climate zones on your way up the Northeast’s highest peak. If you are not comfortable with heights or narrow winding roads without guard rails you may want to check out the guided tours or the hiker’s shuttle to the top.

Please note that there are some vehicle restrictions that you want to check out if you plan to drive yourself.

Guided Tours:

SOTA - Tours of Mount Washington — Tours of Mount Washington

Guided tours start at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road beginning at 8:30 am and you have the option of a two hour guided tour or three hour guided tour. The disadvantage of the guided tours is that you are not on your own schedule and time at the top is limited.

The tours do sell out so you will want to book your tickets early if this is the option for you.

Hiker Shuttle:

SOTA - Hiker's Shuttle — Hiker’s Shuttle

Another way up/down the mountain is the Hiker Shuttle. The Hiker Shuttle leaves from the Stage Office at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road beginning at 9:00 am. The shuttle then leaves on an as-needed basis, so waits of an hour or more may be necessary. The one way down option can be a little tricky as rides down are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Hiking:

SOTA - Connor (KC1GGX) descending via Tuckerman's Ravine trail — Connor (KC1GGX) descending via Tuckerman’s Ravine trail

The final way up/down the mountain is hiking the mountain. Although this may not be for everyone – this is a very strenuous hike – it is the most rewarding.

There are two starting points for getting up Mount Washington – the east face and west face of the mountain. The east face trails begin at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center which has information and basic rooms available for rent. Reservations in advance are a must!

The East Face:

SOTA - East Face of Mt. Washington — East Face of Mt. Washington

The easiest trail (easiest is probably not the right term for any trail on Mount Washington) on the east face of the mountain is Tuckerman’s Ravine for both the ascent and descent. Lion’s Head is the same distance, but slightly steeper. It is not the best for a descent. Boott Spur is another option, which is not any more difficult than the other trails but is much longer. The benefit of this trail is the awesome views!

SOTA - Abby (AB1BY) on Lion's Head — Abby (AB1BY) on Lion’s Head

West Face:

The trails on the west face of Mount Washington begin from Mount Washington Cog Railway and offers two trails, the Jewell Trail and Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail ascends via Lake of the Cloud Hut where you can stop and get a hot coffee, hot chocolate, water or some snacks… not to mention the fantastic views!

SOTA - Lake of the Clouds Hut — Lake of the Clouds Hut

If you are planning on hiking an early start is an absolute must, especially if you plan to have any time to operate on the summit. Club members that are planning to hike please let me know. It would be fun to have a group to hike with as well as safer for everyone involved.

Accommodations:

There are many accommodations in the area ranging from beautiful hotels to primitive camping areas. Again, booking in advance is a must! Many of the camping areas in the White Mountain National Forest are booked on a first come, first served basis. They do not take reservations in advance. My family is planning on camping out on Friday and Saturday night in the area. We will probably be at the Roaring Brook Campground. We’d be happy to have people join us!

Join in on the Fun!

Lastly, the Finchum’s have a tradition of celebrating any major peaks with a celebratory Moxie the top and we invite you to join us in toasting at the top!

Nashua Area Radio Society

Category Archives: Featured

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