Comms - HF

gamer_jim · Mar 23, 2020

Mark75H said:
ETA: having an unprogrammed HT with no knowledge of repeater and node frequencies is very close to having a gun with no bullets.

The analogy I use with people who think they can buy an amateur radio without a license is like having a gun without regular trips to the range. We have to be well practiced and know how the equipment works.

I'll say this again: it's really not that hard to pass the tech exam. A free exam prep guide is here:
https://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v1-1.pdf

Antarctica · Mar 23, 2020

Made few quick contacts on 80 tonight to check things out. Band was wall to wall, like a contest was going on. Tuner didn't want to tune the wire to 80 at first (no idea why) but seems fine now.

I use HDSDR as a panadapter to my 7300, and you could go from one conversation to the next, and never miss a beat on COVID 19.

Antarctica · Mar 25, 2020

I'm going to try to get on at 9PM on 80 meters tonight. I'll post a freq here.

HSTD · Mar 25, 2020

I gave away all of my hf/vhf/uhf gear a few years ago, and been off the air for a bit longer. I finally decided to get back in to it, and recently picked up a D74a from HRO in DE. I am kind of surprised at just how dead the repeaters in my area are.

I have printed out the amateur repeater frequencies in my area (MD, PA, WV, and VA), and leave them in the car just in case. I've also printed the FRS/GMRS frequencies so I can listen there as well.

I am hoping to get a HF radio in the next few months, and am leaning towards the Xiegu G90, so I can run it in my car.

To be honest if SHTF, I'm not sure who I would talk to anyway. lol

Antarctica · Mar 25, 2020

3867

KD4VMM

Intarsiac · Mar 25, 2020

On the air with the net.

Good net

Another opportunity to check in to a net and hone your skills is the monthly Maryland/DC HF Hospital Net on 3.820 MHz. Next one is 22 April at 1845 local time. Call Sign, First Name, and Location is all that's required.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Antarctica · Mar 25, 2020

Just closed moderating my first 'net' - a ham radio first for me. Had two stations (Jeff in Indian Head, and Charlie in Silver Spring) join in on 80 meters (3.867 Mhz). Not sure they would want their calls repeated here, so I'll refrain from posting a 'log' of the net. Small turnout but a turn out nonetheless!

I'll try again next week. Thanks to both of you for checking in and politely dealing with my poor "net moderation" skills! I wanted to keep it short and sweet on the first go around but am open to any suggestions.

Brent
KD4VMM

dblas · Mar 26, 2020

Yes

Yes

Yes

KA8YPY - Extra

Pinecone · Mar 27, 2020

Ordered a multi band wire antenna.

Anyone for a socially distanced antenna party when it comes in? Pizza will be supplied.

MJD438 · Mar 27, 2020

Dang it - need to clean the office and hang the EFHW in the trees. Maybe some activity work for this weekend, since I am not going to be able to go to the squad anytime soon (employer issues). W3YUT

sub2000 · Mar 27, 2020

Just started studying for my HAM tech exam. Got the app and studying 30 min a day. Been a prep of mine I've been procrastinating on for a while. Pretty excited to dive into this new hobby!

PowPow · Mar 29, 2020

sub2000 said:
Just started studying for my HAM tech exam. Got the app and studying 30 min a day. Been a prep of mine I've been procrastinating on for a while. Pretty excited to dive into this new hobby!

I've been studying with the ARRL technician manual for about 2 weeks now.

gamer_jim · Mar 29, 2020

PowPow said:
I've been studying with the ARRL technician manual for about 2 weeks now.

Good.

If you haven't already, check out hamstudy.org.

You can take the test for free without signing up. If you sign up (also free but requires email) then it will keep track of your progress. It helps by grouping the questions together by category and can help point out to you what you need to focus on.

PowPow · Mar 29, 2020

gamer_jim said:
Good.

If you haven't already, check out hamstudy.org.

You can take the test for free without signing up. If you sign up (also free but requires email) then it will keep track of your progress. It helps by grouping the questions together by category and can help point out to you what you need to focus on.

Bookmarked, thanks. I used a similar engine when I studied for and passed my CISSP certification exam last month. That's why I decided to finally go for my ham license. If I can pass that damned CISSP exam, I can pass the Amateur Radio license tests.

Mark75H · Mar 29, 2020

PowPow said:
Bookmarked, thanks. I used a similar engine when I studied for and passed my CISSP certification exam last month. That's why I decided to finally go for my ham license. If I can pass that damned CISSP exam, I can pass the Amateur Radio license tests.

I took the state HVAC Journeyman's exam and Tech exam the same week. Nailed them both. Going to start studying for the General so I can take it when testing resumes.

Mark75H · Mar 29, 2020

Don't forget the strategy of just taking both elements at the same time even though you have only studied for the tech. Often doesn't cost anything and then you can study the General stuff at your leisure if you accidentally pass it.

PowPow · Mar 29, 2020

Mark75H said:
Don't forget the strategy of just taking both elements at the same time even though you have only studied for the tech. Often doesn't cost anything and then you can study the General stuff at your leisure if you accidentally pass it.

I have materials for both Technician and General. That's my plan. Much of the Technician to me seems like review, so I think that's a good sign.

Shazam · Mar 29, 2020

Is the TP Net meeting again this Wednesday? There appears to be growing interest.

Antarctica · Mar 29, 2020

I am planning to be on at 9PM Wednesday again. I am open to any ideas that folks have. We can keep it short and set like last time - just check in and one or two go-rounds for input/sitrep, equip check, etc. or we can hit some topics that folks want to discuss. I'm not really intending this to turn into a rag chew, mostly just trying to get folks, including myself, to dust of the radio, throw the wire in the tree, and get on the air.

KD4VMM

Winged Pig · Mar 29, 2020

Yes, Yes and Yes. I have a few antenna's up, and one is a wire 7 band OCF stretched between two trees. That one has been up for several years and still works great. I mainly use SSB and have not had much interest in digital modes.

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