Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear about Jon. He was such a light—always so positive and upbeat, even when cancer tried to dim his spirit. I’ll never forget how he kept that incredible attitude no matter what. Even after I moved away, staying in touch with him was a gift; every conversation reminded me of his strength and joy. I’m going to miss him very much. Thinking of everyone who loved him right now—it’s a huge loss.
Hi Aron,
I’ve used Windows and Mac OS interchangeably in my shack for some time now. I’ve never tried Linux for logging, but have used it for hot spots, rotor control, etc.
There are some great applications under Mac OS for ham radio. For example, Dog Park Software offers Mac Logger DX and Mac Doppler, which are both excellent. There is a website called machamradio.com that has an email distribution list that keeps you up to speed as new Mac software becomes available.
73,
Dave
K1DLM
Dennis,
There are no concerns about taking the radios or batteries on-board, unless you turn them on in flight. The one that is prohibited from checked baggage is Lithium-Ion batteries that aren’t contained in a device, like a laptop. Just make sure you bring them in your carry-on and not in your checked bag.
73, Dave
K1DLM
Hi Luis,
I started off about 15-years ago with an MFJ 259 antenna analyzer that covered HF through 230Mhz. However, my current go-to device is a RigExpert AA-600 which provides coverage of HF – 600 MHz, along with a bunch of extra functionality. I really like how the RigExpert graphs the SWR curve of the antenna and can save this data to a PC for historical reference.
73,
Dave
K1DLM
Hi Craig. Thanks for organizing winter field day. I will plan on operating from my home QTH.
73,
Dave, K1DLM
Paul,
I second the advice given by Mike, KI8R. I had a Hexbeam at my last QTH in Windham, NH. In July of this year, I moved to a new QTH and installed two JK antennas on my new tower. The build quality is outstanding, and most importantly, they survived the ice storm unscathed. I think the Navassa would be a good choice given your tower. I have a Rohn 55G fixed tower with a JK 6BA, JK 302, and an M2 6M6LN.
73,
Dave
K1DLM
I just received a note from FlexRadio indicating that they’d like to present at Ham Meetings. I say we take them up on it. Details are as follows:
73, Dave, K1DLM
FlexRadio Systems 
Michael Walker (Employee) just shared this idea in FlexRadio Systems(FLEX-6700 Signature Series SDR):<hr /> Hi All!
FlexRadio is looking to do a few virtual club meetings where we come visit your club, however, we would like to do it over Skype.
This would allow us to have interactive voice conversations with your members at your club meeting to discuss our products, some of the features, what you can do with your station, remote operation and more.
In order to do this, we would suggest that you give us a few weeks notice so we can schedule the time frame.
For hosting, it is recommended that you have a PC that is internet connected (a hotspot should work) and some way to present the PC Screen either via a projector or a very large TV.
External computer speakers would also make it easy to hear the presenter.
If you club is interested, please email me (at work), [email protected] and let me know t he following:
- Approximate number of participants
- Some times and dates that would work
- Areas of interest, or, if just generalized, that is OK too.
73, mike
Team,
The Windham High School Physics department launches a high-altitude balloon every spring with an APRS payload. The teacher that sponsors it is Pat Kaplo. It might be interesting for you guys to speak with him as well. His email is [email protected].
73,
Dave
K1DLM
Greg,
I completely agree with Fred. However, I will add that you must be very disciplined if you go with option #1. Speaking from experience, it’s very easy to forget to disconnect the antenna feedline. Also, there may be times that you intentionally leave it connected thinking there won’t be any storms. For example, you may think you’re safe during the winter months, but you can still get thunder snow.
I have a weatherproof enclosure outside my house which contains my lightning arrestors. DX Engineering carries one here:
I have a similar enclosure and ran copper strap between the enclosure and my service entrance.
Being on the top of a hill, my house also has lightning rods and a perimeter / halo ground system. This is bonded to my service entrance as well. Even with all of this, I’ve experienced lightning damage 5-times in 9-years to various systems in the house. Luckily, I’ve never had a problem with any of my radio equipment.
If you’d like to do some reading om the topic, here are a few articles and publications:
(1) http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf
(2) The holy grail on grounding“MIL-HDBK-419A “Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding for Electronic Equipments and Facilities” 9.6 MB PDF file dated 29-DEC-1987
This is the big military handbook on grounding. It is large, in two volumes totaling about 812 pages. Volume one is 396 pages of theory, volume two is 394 pages of practice. This download is the complete 2 volume set in one PDF file, and volume 2 starts on page 419 of the PDF file. This book covers grounding for safety, lightning, nuclear blast and most everything else. A very good read and a real eye opener. This handbook is approved for public release and distribution is unlimited.
At one point (Feb 1999), the hardcopy (including postage) was FREE if you ordered it from:
Commanding Officer
Naval Publication and Forms Center
5801 Taylor Avenue
Philladelphia PA 19120″73,
Dave
K1DLM