tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41011432554398031012023-11-15T13:22:24.337-05:00From Alaska to the Lower 48, my Ham Radio Adventure Continues.KL8DX was my callsign while active in Alaska near Denali National Park. Traded that for AK2MA when we arrived in Massachusetts. It continues to follow me as we travel down our winding road of life, now operating from Oregon. This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-74375631469570594462015-01-11T12:44:00.003-05:002015-01-11T12:48:25.059-05:00The End of MA & AK2MA<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6D7b9UfSAA/VLK0WHOYGyI/AAAAAAAABZg/7qHeYeULPKs/s1600/P1034007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6D7b9UfSAA/VLK0WHOYGyI/AAAAAAAABZg/7qHeYeULPKs/s1600/P1034007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow The Path To Green Pastures?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My final post to this blog is only to inform those interested in following my QRP and QRO blogging adventures that you can do so at my 7'land blog site located <a href="http://ak7dd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. As I did with my <a href="http://kl8dx.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KL8DX blog</a>, I like to keep my ham activation's separate. Now that I've assumed the callsign AK7DD, I'm excited about once again becoming active both at home and while portable. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I'm officially a 100% </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">transplanted</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Oregonian, my plans are staying settled in 7'land for a long while. I hope you decide to follow along! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-51638082754718742192014-12-30T21:35:00.000-05:002014-12-30T21:35:50.804-05:00My Year In Review, 2014<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HoO8mnskUg/VKNIUvtp_mI/AAAAAAAABXY/blulY7chCBg/s1600/Sketch%2BRig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HoO8mnskUg/VKNIUvtp_mI/AAAAAAAABXY/blulY7chCBg/s1600/Sketch%2BRig.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massachusetts Setup</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I figured it was as good of a time as any to address my year in review. As with any year, there have been ups and downs professionally, personally and hamally (Okay, just keeping with the theme). Since this blog is mainly about ham radio, I'll focus on that. My personal life has a direct effect on what I would consider the most rewarding hobby I have ever participated in, that being ham radio. Working in Boston for well over a year was a great experience. Leaving Alaska for Boston was (for me) going from one extreme to another. Something like working the HF bands (or trying) with ½ watt and an indoor basement antenna and then being able to work the HF bands at one of the many contest super stations across the country with stacked beams nearly reaching the flight paths of most 737's. Even though my job was essentially the same, that was the only similarity between the two locations. My radio (or shack time) was cut dramatically and I found little time to play radio when we headed east.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsiTQBKbDw/VKNIN4R0dxI/AAAAAAAABXQ/gAKAwGSmty0/s1600/857D%2BOriginal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsiTQBKbDw/VKNIN4R0dxI/AAAAAAAABXQ/gAKAwGSmty0/s1600/857D%2BOriginal.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">857D & My Navy Flamerproof</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In looking at my logbook, I made approximately 298 QSO's in 2014 from my old QTH in Massachusetts, most QRP. The highlights were working the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf" target="_blank">ARRL January VHF Contest</a>, something I had not done in many years. Now mind you, I was working with an indoor antenna but it was fun to once again operate on 6, 2 and 432. Another highlight was playing in the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx" target="_blank">ARRL DX Contest</a> as a QRP entry. I've blogged about both of these so I won't go into details here but even with a limited station, it was fun. I got on as often as I could and I think I did pretty well considering my setup. I found the propagation on the east coast much better for QRP operation so that also made the experience much more enjoyable. As many contest stations will tell you, it's about location, location and location. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc3-hkg8ujo/VKNHuRqv7oI/AAAAAAAABXI/TF6h7dy5c0k/s1600/CRLA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc3-hkg8ujo/VKNHuRqv7oI/AAAAAAAABXI/TF6h7dy5c0k/s1600/CRLA.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New QTH</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When my wife and I relocated to Oregon, it has allowed me a bit more free time to play radio, for now. Oregon is a beautiful place but I find my current QTH is not as QRP friendly as my last. Being surrounded by mountains and operating QRP with my same indoor setup has been much more challenging here. To date, I've made a whopping 28 QSO's from my new 7'land QTH. A mix of digital (JT65A) and Morse Code (CW) contacts. But, I'm thankful for those 28 contacts and my goal is to make many more as we enter into 2015. Plans can change but maybe I can put up an external antenna and get a bit more serious about operating as I once did from Alaska. I miss contesting.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6-9A-fzEiw/VKNOgtgSRLI/AAAAAAAABXo/Iha-AD5BpXA/s1600/1398077933861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6-9A-fzEiw/VKNOgtgSRLI/AAAAAAAABXo/Iha-AD5BpXA/s1600/1398077933861.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon Commute</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having experienced life in the city, I'm excited about my new western adventures. I don't miss the traffic, the commute or the expense of Boston, but it's a very neat city. I experienced several firsts for me there having grown up in a small town community in the Midwest. I no longer need to use my <a href="https://www.waze.com/" target="_blank">WAZE</a> app on my cell phone to find the least congested way home. People actually stop at red lights here and there does not appear to be a 5 second rule (increased from 3 seconds in the Boston area I believe in 2012). This year certainly has ended much differently than it began on all aspects for me. When opportunity knocks, sometimes what lies on the other side of the door is just what you're looking for. That door took me (us) 3,000 miles west. And of course I leave Massachusetts when I finally learn how to spell it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Probably the biggest highlight of 2014 for me was being able to finally attend the <a href="http://hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Hamvention</a>. I won't dwell on the details as they are found elsewhere in this blog but hitting Dayton with my long time bestest of friends Sean, KL1SF was at the top. We have talked about it for many years and it finally happened. I don't see myself going back anytime soon but it was great to put faces with callsigns of other hams I talked to on the radio over the years.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCySdDgL5Us/VKNHnzorH1I/AAAAAAAABXA/99oZJFEHbK4/s1600/P9064545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCySdDgL5Us/VKNHnzorH1I/AAAAAAAABXA/99oZJFEHbK4/s1600/P9064545.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Family Beagle 1999-2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In life, we often times take things for granted and I'm guilty of that. My wife and I decided on getting a family pet many years ago. I just happened to be traveling down a back road (which I normally did not use) and I saw a sign that read "Beagles For Sale." I've had a love for this breed since I was very young. I stopped and spoke with the owner. A few days later, I stopped back with my wife and this one little tri-colored female won our hearts. We laid claim to her and it was not long before I was picking her up and taking her home. Like any young puppy, it took her awhile to get used to her surroundings but soon she ruled the house. When we began camping, she loved to go along and experience new surroundings. When we moved to Alaska, she toughed it out (her outside potty times were shortened dramatically during the winter months) but she loved to sniff and play in her new environment. When we moved to Boston, it was obvious her age was catching up to her. 2014 was the year that she would <a href="http://youtu.be/xuprib8RlGY" target="_blank">leave us</a> and I think of her often with a tear in my eye. That was by far, the lowlight for me in 2014 and just writing about it leaves a lump in my throat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the New Year nearly upon us, there is plenty of "New" for me in 2015! New friends, new coworkers, new QTH, new surroundings, new places to enjoy the great outdoors, new...well, the list goes on. These new things may take away from my operating time but I believe I can achieve balance and harmony when it comes to ham radio and the rest of my humanly obligations. At least for me, living out here on the western side of country makes it more possible. Life already seems so much slower and I'm enjoying every second of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what else is new for me in 2015? After much thought, there was at least one more "New" for me to do. That is pictured below. The New Year really does symbolize "New" for me and in many ways. I'm looking forward to flipping that calendar over and jumping feet first into 2015. I see myself being a 7'lander for a long while. Just like AK2MA (Alaska 2 Massachusetts) had a meaning, this next vanity callsign has a more personal meaning. Dedicated to two things I miss greatly, Alaska and our family beagle. Enjoy today because you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Where does this winding road of life take me next and where do I go from here? <a href="http://ak7dd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chapter 4</a> of course and it would be great to have you along for the ride. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCAE-Ko0MU/VKNHRrrPaFI/AAAAAAAABW4/lUFwGOPp7Yw/s1600/AK2MA%2BULS.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCAE-Ko0MU/VKNHRrrPaFI/AAAAAAAABW4/lUFwGOPp7Yw/s1600/AK2MA%2BULS.bmp" height="121" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retired</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></span></div>
This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-51199945295714271042014-12-28T17:52:00.002-05:002014-12-28T17:52:19.306-05:0030 Meter WSPR...A Successful Failure<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrRyUbJ6AtA/VKCHYRjvs2I/AAAAAAAABWc/Ml5RXCzpE28/s1600/WSPR%2B30.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrRyUbJ6AtA/VKCHYRjvs2I/AAAAAAAABWc/Ml5RXCzpE28/s1600/WSPR%2B30.bmp" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 Meter <a href="http://wsprnet.org/drupal/" target="_blank">WSPR</a> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had my station set up to transmit and receive <a href="http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wspr.html" target="_blank">WSPR</a> on 30 meters last night. I was able to get the software to transmit and I began to receive a few stations. My plan was to let it sit and listen for several hours however, Mother Nature planned otherwise. With a fresh batch of snow accompanied by wind, we experienced several power outages last night and even into Sunday. The first few times the power went out, I set everything back up only to have it shutdown when the power went out. This would normally not be an issue as I have battery backup supplies for all of my shack. Sadly, they are all still in storage. So, it was fun while it last but I decided to switch modes back to CW today and do more monitoring than transmitting. For my indoor setup, the bands have not been very favorable for DX'ing. Hopefully things will get better as I'm very excited about Straight Key Night, which is fast approaching. Not sure where this year went but it's nearly over.</span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-47026805822682495122014-12-23T20:39:00.000-05:002014-12-23T20:39:38.856-05:00Rim & Back<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzg4WJgxVaI/VJoRbBJCauI/AAAAAAAABVs/CnoUaY7wKLU/s1600/APRS%2BCRLA.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzg4WJgxVaI/VJoRbBJCauI/AAAAAAAABVs/CnoUaY7wKLU/s1600/APRS%2BCRLA.bmp" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA/M APRS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe this was actually the second day that I got to wear sunglasses at work since we arrived at Crater Lake. And tomorrow, we are forecasted to get back into snow. Went from shoveling loads of snow to a few days of rain. So, with the sunshine making an appearance, it was time to get outdoors a bit. Off to Crater Lake Rim Village area to stop at the store and hike around a bit. I ran mobile <a href="http://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FAK2MA-9&timerange=3600&tail=3600" target="_blank">APRS</a> from our parking spot at the office to Rim Village. We were not the only ones taking advantage of the nice day as many other people were doing the same. I had a 1x cell signal with my Verizon phone but I have much better APRS coverage. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojEJ0yJALhY/VJoRn4CwNbI/AAAAAAAABV0/Xl4-pKWgWpk/s1600/Crater%2BLake%2BWinterEDIT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojEJ0yJALhY/VJoRn4CwNbI/AAAAAAAABV0/Xl4-pKWgWpk/s1600/Crater%2BLake%2BWinterEDIT2.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake December 23rd, 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like an Alaskan with cabin fever in April, I'll be looking forward to spring and summer here. I can't wait to experience the outdoors during the summer months and do some portable operating. I've been thinking of getting a portable that will do APRS. I may have to finally take the plunge. I'm also looking forward to seeing how many other APRS stations show up in the neighborhood. Either way, now that the sun is on a slow trek back north, I plan on enjoying the much warmer winter weather which will hopefully yield some outdoor winter radio operating opportunities as well. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-49196532193301370902014-12-21T21:40:00.001-05:002014-12-21T21:40:44.582-05:00Pouring Rain Outside, CW Inside in Straight Key Style<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mJ0uAVCOl4/VJd_9uD6_wI/AAAAAAAABVM/v8w_tOoz5VQ/s1600/SKCC%2BSet%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mJ0uAVCOl4/VJd_9uD6_wI/AAAAAAAABVM/v8w_tOoz5VQ/s1600/SKCC%2BSet%2Bup.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA Oregon Set-up</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The many inches of snow changed over to rain overnight and its been pouring for most of the day. I decided that it would be a great day to get back on the straight key and attempt some QSO's. As I've mentioned, my portable set up is parked on the table with my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> set up nearby. Not the best of configurations but it seems to work for my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QRP_operation" target="_blank">QRP</a> efforts. (See photo)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I checked into the <a href="http://www.obriensweb.com/sked/index.php?board=skcc" target="_blank">K3UK SKCC Sked Page</a> and I was only there a short time when I received my first QSO request. I received several more requests and I was able to make good on all but a few of them. Since I'm running QRP with my indoor antenna, the other stations were doing most of the work. It was fun spending nearly an hour making contacts. Several I've worked many times over the years. I very much enjoy the <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/" target="_blank">SKCC</a> Club and many a friendship has formed upon my joining their ranks. It's obvious that I was a bit rusty on the straight key and I needed to do some adjusting to my Navy Flameproof but I'll work the bugs out. By the end of the afternoon, I worked the following stations with my set-up; VA5CW, W2NRA, AA7WU, AA4H, KD8DEU, AH6AX, K4DJ, K6III, KZ5OM, WS1K and W6UT. East coast to west coast, 20 meters allowed me to have a bit of Morse fun today. One things for sure, I had no plans of spending time outdoors. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-22413625867879982442014-12-21T11:30:00.001-05:002014-12-21T11:31:46.439-05:00My QRP, JT65A Saturday Effort and Snow!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDt0eGAxi_c/VJbbYHs1M2I/AAAAAAAABUA/WLGpI1CqCU4/s1600/AK2MAShovel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDt0eGAxi_c/VJbbYHs1M2I/AAAAAAAABUA/WLGpI1CqCU4/s1600/AK2MAShovel.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake Snow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prior to moving to Oregon, I did a bit or research on weather. I still very much enjoy winter (my mother once told me, the older I get, the more I will dislike winter) and after 9½ years living in the Interior Alaska, I really never minded the bitter cold temperatures that I experienced. Even for the year or so we lived in central MA, we still saw cold winter temperatures with the coldest being about -19°F. I think the most snow I've ever experienced in my lifetime (till now) was the big <a href="http://www.erh.noaa.gov/iln/research/Blizzard1978/blizzard78.php" target="_blank">Blizzard of 1978</a> in Ohio. When I began reading the average seasonal snow fall totals for <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm" target="_blank">Crater Lake National Park</a>, I knew I was in for an entirely new experience. My wife was never a fan of the darkness during the winter months in Alaska, and certainly not the bitter cold -40°F to -50°F temperatures. So, this was a great compromise location to live. I could still enjoy winter, the days are much longer and the temperatures are much warmer. Marital harmony at last? Only time will tell. I do enjoy the much slower pace here over the east coast. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aesWphv4nDk/VJbZxLSh7QI/AAAAAAAABTo/DR058BuAGiE/s1600/JT65A_2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aesWphv4nDk/VJbZxLSh7QI/AAAAAAAABTo/DR058BuAGiE/s1600/JT65A_2.bmp" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JT65A on 20 Meters</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting back in the shack saddle, I decided to fire up some <a href="http://hflink.com/jt65/" target="_blank">JT65A</a> on Saturday. My shack computer is packed away with the rest of our stuff in some storage building here in Oregon. I brought along our little <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-desktop-intel-celeron-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-black/5858051.p?id=1219165148215&skuId=5858051&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=5858051&extensionType=pla:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!80819842999!g!!52599690919&kpid=5858051&k_clickid=6a959e2a-ad7e-9888-62da-00000cb5ffc9&kpid=5858051&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=6a959e2a-ad7e-9888-62da-00000cb5ffc9&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=9&ksdevice=c" target="_blank">Dell Inspiron Desktop</a> computer which I loaded some ham radio programs onto. It suffers from the usual small computer configuration by only having one identifiable USB-serial port. This becomes a bit of a problem when you are trying to set up multiple programs to run at the same time and still want full rig control. I'm not really worried about it, as this won't be my main shack computer. I'm only putting software on this computer to get me on the air until we get settled and our stuff arrives. My <a href="http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/703/default.aspx" target="_blank">Icom 703+</a> communicates fine, so sending and receiving JT65A signals work, I'm just not able to feed frequency data to the JT65-HF software when I'm operating. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DsFxjVb4SQ/VJbaBGg5wbI/AAAAAAAABT0/dbRY63mRBAE/s1600/JT65A_4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DsFxjVb4SQ/VJbaBGg5wbI/AAAAAAAABT0/dbRY63mRBAE/s1600/JT65A_4.bmp" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QRP JT65A</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've read my previous blog, you will see my second story open concept shack layout. It includes internal <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/debupa.html" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> antenna, my Icom 703+ set up on the kitchen table (I do have an understanding licensed but non-HF operating wife) along with many other odds and ends. I'm manually logging QSO's at the moment but just started to load some logging software onto the computer. I still need to update my LOTW data to include this new location but I have time. It's time to get on the air and play a bit. Been a long several weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tuned up the rig for 5 watts of output power and after setting up the <a href="http://jt65-hf.com/downloads/" target="_blank">JT65-HF</a> software, I was CQ'n. I managed a handful of contacts and a couple answered but never came back. It was a successful first run of this mode here and I'm ready to move on to doing some PSK31 next.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN9yJ-RzKuY/VJbZvzYadbI/AAAAAAAABTc/mVBTyBzM0tw/s1600/JT65AWIDE.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN9yJ-RzKuY/VJbZvzYadbI/AAAAAAAABTc/mVBTyBzM0tw/s1600/JT65AWIDE.bmp" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than just a rig's power setting...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things with good weak signal software is some don't realize how much they can wipe out the band when running hot! There is more to running this mode than simply a <a href="http://kk4dsd.com/2012/06/07/jt65-power-calculator/" target="_blank">power setting</a>. When trying to copy weak signals (such as myself using an indoor antenna, as many are weak anyhow, depending on band conditions) it does not take much for me to lose a QSO if one of those hot running stations are nearby. And to top it off, the line you see just under -500 is my computer monitor. My widescreen is very nice but I'm unable to change the displays refresh rate in Hertz, so it's stuck at 60. Being able to change this setting could help eliminate this interference but again, this is not my shack computer so I need to deal with what I have. The screen also broadcasts numerous birdies across most of my bands. Sacrifices we sometimes have to make.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJGgmwTPx44/VJbqanndSMI/AAAAAAAABUQ/73AJ0ch0c_U/s1600/JT65A%2BMap.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJGgmwTPx44/VJbqanndSMI/AAAAAAAABUQ/73AJ0ch0c_U/s1600/JT65A%2BMap.bmp" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heard and Being Heard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's great to be able to see where you are being heard where you are hearing and how strong. The <a href="https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html" target="_blank">PSK Reporter</a> website is a fantastic digital visual reference tool for any digital operator. Left is a screen shot of my Saturday operation (query ran today, Sunday). With the technology we have available today, it can sure help any operator understand <a href="https://pskreporter.info/cgi-bin/pskstats.pl" target="_blank">propagation</a>, adjust their rig settings and see the big picture. Obviously this would not be possible without the website owner and those who click their software checkbox to feed the data to the website. One of my other favorite digital reporting sites is <a href="http://hamspots.net/" target="_blank">HamSpots</a>. HamSpots also allows for live operator keyboard interaction with the chat feature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My digital days are just getting started again and I hope to get on a few other modes as I get the software loaded onto this computer. My all time favorite is RTTY and I miss operating that mode, especially in contests. Hopefully as we get settled, I can put up a few exterior HF antennas and get back into contesting once again. With the holidays fast approaching, I'll have a few more days off to play radio. I'm hoping the bands cooperate and who knows, maybe I can bounce some weak signal JT65 off of Santa's ionized trail this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-12170460425155648782014-12-14T23:34:00.000-05:002014-12-14T23:48:03.216-05:00To The Rim, Finding My Grid Square And Then On To 20 Meters.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBity-r57I/VI5GEtdlFUI/AAAAAAAABRY/YH4y91Eh4iM/s1600/Blog%2BLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBity-r57I/VI5GEtdlFUI/AAAAAAAABRY/YH4y91Eh4iM/s1600/Blog%2BLake.jpg" height="105" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crater Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since arriving to our new surroundings, the weather has been very overcast with rain in the lower elevations and snow up here in the higher elevations. Relocating to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm" target="_blank">Crater Lake</a> has one more check box marked on my bucket list. And when the sun finally came out on Saturday, it was time to go explore my surroundings. My wife and I made a morning of driving up to see what Crater Lake had to offer and she did not let us down. A breathtaking landscape surrounded by her mountainous rim. After taking lots of photos and hiking where we could (no snowshoes as of yet) we headed back to the house for lunch. Afterwards, it was time to break out the portable HF ham radio equipment to see what I would be able to hear.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1GrgWqRras/VI5LuwZOtEI/AAAAAAAABR0/6bGb5K6S41s/s1600/GPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1GrgWqRras/VI5LuwZOtEI/AAAAAAAABR0/6bGb5K6S41s/s1600/GPS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CN82wv</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First things first. I have been impressed with the <a href="http://www.aprs.org/" target="_blank">APRS</a> coverage here primarily due to the <a href="http://aprs.fi/#!mt=roadmap&z=10&call=a%2FSTUKEL&timerange=3600&tail=3600" target="_blank">STUKEL Mountain Igate</a> and <a href="http://aprs.fi/#!mt=roadmap&z=10&call=a%2FKFALLS&timerange=3600&tail=3600" target="_blank">KFALLS</a> Digi relaying APRS data from up here at Crater Lake. As mentioned in my previous blog, I have an old Garmin GPS III in my truck that has been losing its memory (hopefully due to needing batteries replaced). I have a Garmin GPS III Plus that I use when I'm operating portable. I love the old Garmin units as they show our highly used <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhead_Locator_System" target="_blank">Maidenhead Grid Square Locator</a>. I'm not sure if there are any more modern units that do the same but I snagged a few of these a few years back on eBay just for this reason. I fired up my Garmin and set it in the snow bank in front of our residence and after finding the satellites, it was not long before I had my Grid Square! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rddHNOQOMrE/VI5LwNO63JI/AAAAAAAABR8/A_k3dKVO8OU/s1600/Antenna%2BPosition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rddHNOQOMrE/VI5LwNO63JI/AAAAAAAABR8/A_k3dKVO8OU/s1600/Antenna%2BPosition.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal Antenna Setup</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I snagged my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> out of its case and began to assemble the antenna. I ran this same indoor setup at our previous residence in MA, and it seemed to do pretty well considering. I had it set up in the 2nd floor hallway back there and thankfully, our current residence has an open floor plan on the second floor which works well for my current indoor setup. While at the <a href="http://hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Hamvention</a> this past year, I picked up a few accessories from the Buddipole booth. I was excited to finally put them to use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Assembly went well and before I knew it, I had the antenna ready to be hooked to my Icom 703+. Since most of my equipment was still in storage with the moving company and many of my tools were in the tool compartment of our camper, I only realized my oversight when I was ready to tune the antenna. You see, I wanted something smaller than my MFJ-259B to use when I was portable. For obvious reasons, the MFJ uses a Kazillion batteries and it's very easy for the power button to be depressed when you are carrying it in a backpack. It's saddening to find out your MFJ has no life left by the time you get to your operating location. Been there, done that.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeg4XdFeDCM/VI5LrSN7vsI/AAAAAAAABRs/_VVOxIrRu90/s1600/Analyzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeg4XdFeDCM/VI5LrSN7vsI/AAAAAAAABRs/_VVOxIrRu90/s1600/Analyzer.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IP60z</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enter the i<a href="http://www.iportableus.com/_mgxroot/page_10750.html" target="_blank">P60z</a> Portable Antenna Analyzer! I looked at a few small analyzers while at the 2014 Hamvention and after talking with my friend Steve, wG0AT at Dayton, I opted for this model. Ironically, my mini screw drivers and 9 volt batteries were back in our camper which was about an hour away from our residence. So, for my Saturday operating, I would have to resort to tuning the antenna the manual way. Having an antenna indoors makes tuning an antenna a bit more challenging so I was hoping to have my iPortable analyzer to help me. That now would not happen until Sunday, when I made the trip to get batteries and screw drivers (I now have a dedicated set with my portable gear box). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyhow, I was able to tune my Buddipole antenna indoors and I first listened to 10 meters. More irony as the first station I heard on 10 meters happened to be W1NA, in my old state of Massachusetts. But signals seemed low and not that strong but not uncommon with indoor equipment. Since this was the first time I had set up the equipment here, I've not had the time to grasp what normal propagation sounds like from this location. After listening to 10 meters for a bit, I jumped up to 20 meters where I originally tuned the Buddipole.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl7-3SQLhvY/VI5FnOGOCRI/AAAAAAAABRA/ficoUdH_K-Q/s1600/WES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl7-3SQLhvY/VI5FnOGOCRI/AAAAAAAABRA/ficoUdH_K-Q/s1600/WES.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J-37 Straight Key with Icom 703+</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was so nice to once again hear the activity on the ham bands and be decoding Morse Code (CW). My main focus was to make a few contacts in the <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/" target="_blank">SKCC Weekend Sprintathon</a>. Thanks to Curt, WA2JSG for posting reminders to Facebook! I enjoy manually sending code just about as much as I enjoy higher paced CW contests. No records broken here and I only logged a few manual contacts with my first being Tony, K6ELQ. Tony was very strong (in California) so it was an easy QSO for me. I followed up by working Ed, W7GVE in Arizona, John, K0AE in Colorado, the power station Ted, K8AQM in Michigan and finally, Brian, WB4IT in Alabama. Not bad I guess, considering my indoor antenna and rig set at 10 watts. When I checked the antenna SWR on Sunday, it was a bit high (see iPortable photo above) so in all reality, I was nearly QRP.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDsEtNOPuAE/VI5L0fiboJI/AAAAAAAABSM/lYNGPnLsySw/s1600/SKCC%2BStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDsEtNOPuAE/VI5L0fiboJI/AAAAAAAABSM/lYNGPnLsySw/s1600/SKCC%2BStation.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drivers Seat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I only made a handful of QSO's, it was great to finally get on the air from my new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code" target="_blank">QTH</a>. My goal is to get on the air more frequently, especially since I won't be stuck in a vehicle for several hours a week commuting to and from work. That can now be transferred to radio time! But I still have plenty to do yet as we continue to get settled at our new location. I'm hoping this will be the last move for a very long time. Now to work on finding a place where I can put something more robust together and get back into contesting. Not that it can't be done with my current set up, but I prefer external antenna's and computer aided contesting accessories (again, all of which are in storage at the moment). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYbKfbFpFsA/VI5LyXntbbI/AAAAAAAABSE/Mfdwuj4Acew/s1600/Portable%2BStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYbKfbFpFsA/VI5LyXntbbI/AAAAAAAABSE/Mfdwuj4Acew/s1600/Portable%2BStation.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digital JT65A</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking a bit of a break from listening to CW, I hooked up the mini laptop to decode some <a href="http://hflink.com/jt65/" target="_blank">JT65A</a>. It took me a bit to get the laptop tuned and the clock set for decoding but it was not long before I was seeing stations populate my software screen. I made sure I was uploading my reception reports to <a href="https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html" target="_blank">PSK Reporter</a> and it was fun to see how far away I was hearing with my indoor set up. I decided to just decode and not attempt to work any stations. Again, getting acquainted with the propagation in this neck of the woods is my first strategy. I believe there was a bit of solar activity this weekend that did not help but at least I know I can make contacts! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDYk4DiaqS4/VI5cLOucefI/AAAAAAAABSc/-VTm56Nxzyw/s1600/PSK%2BReporter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDYk4DiaqS4/VI5cLOucefI/AAAAAAAABSc/-VTm56Nxzyw/s1600/PSK%2BReporter.bmp" height="171" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PSK Report for AK2MA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would classify my Oregon maiden voyage onto the ham bands a success, although not earth shattering. As time allows, and now that I have a battery in my iPortable iP60z, I plan to get on as often as possible and play on the HF bands. I will tune the antenna for the best SWR possible and make my first QRP contacts. Because my antenna is indoors, I have no desire to run anything more than what my Icom 703+ will exhaust. My <a href="http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=%20%20%20102&encProdID=8CBB7C4BDBAF40129AD4253A4987523C" target="_blank">Yaesu FT-857D</a> will remain in it's box until I get outdoors and do a bit of portable operating from some local vantage point. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPV7L6_Znyk/VI5FxQysfYI/AAAAAAAABRI/JE98vz3Cuzo/s1600/Wes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPV7L6_Znyk/VI5FxQysfYI/AAAAAAAABRI/JE98vz3Cuzo/s1600/Wes3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we won't be going any where for the holidays and we are across the country from our families, I expect the next few weeks will allow me to spend even a bit more time than normal on the bands. <a href="http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night" target="_blank">Straight Key Night</a> is not far away and since I missed it last year, my plan is not to miss it this year. There is just something exciting about communicating using one of the oldest forms of communication. Since that first message in 1844, it's still a very popular way to communicate. Even with all the high tech forms of communication we have available to us at this time, just listening to any contest weekend will make you realize that Morse Code is far from extinct. And manually sending Morse Code to me is like driving a car that has the high beam switch on the floorboard, a separate key for the trunk and an 8-Track radio! Okay, maybe a crude comparison but you get my point. Either way it's fun and it's certainly nice to be back in the game!</span></div>
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-69132257493176686452014-12-11T07:58:00.001-05:002014-12-11T19:57:38.069-05:00APRS Broadcasting and Life Over 3,200 Miles and 6,300 Feet Later<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aA0Y5VZNWA/VImNDdT0PnI/AAAAAAAABQc/9BXqhA63jvA/s1600/Crater%2BLake%2BFinal.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aA0Y5VZNWA/VImNDdT0PnI/AAAAAAAABQc/9BXqhA63jvA/s1600/Crater%2BLake%2BFinal.bmp" height="169" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA-9 now in 7'Land</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seems I've been having issues with my old <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/discontinued/gps-iii-plus-/prod121.html" target="_blank">Garmin GPS III</a> lately. I use it to feed location data to my <a href="http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/HF_Base_Mobile/Amateur_Radio_Retired/TM-D700A" target="_blank">Kenwood TM-D700A</a> while mobile. In a recent cross country <a href="http://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FAK2MA-9&timerange=3600&tail=3600" target="_blank">trip</a>, I was able to troubleshoot the issue with the help of my long time friend and <a href="http://www.aprs.org/" target="_blank">APRS</a> Guru Sean, KL1SF. Once we get settled, I need to replace it with a spare GPS III that I have or my V if the issues continue. I like the GPS III as it does <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhead_Locator_System" target="_blank">Maidenhead</a> grid location so it works great as a mobile unit if you want to work some HF/VHF and need your grid square. I was only able to broadcast my location during the final third of our trip due to my GPS III losing memory data.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With that said, there has been very little time for ham radio over the last several months. A career move to 7'land has landed me at our new QTH. The cross country trip went extremely well and the weather cooperated for all but the beginning of the adventure. But I am temporarily settled and I'm looking forward to getting my portable set up working here in Oregon. I think the elevation should hopefully help my QRP signal and I'm looking forward to once again hearing those strong Pacific signals that I used to hear when we lived in Alaska.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having worked at sea level for the last year or more has me moving a bit slower at this higher elevation. Once I get on the air, it may take a week or more for my CW to get back up to speed. Primarily due to the lack of oxygen getting to my brain that passes those dots and dashes to the straight key through my upper extremity. I'm sure my decoding skill will be effected as well but probably due more to being inactive for the last several months. The time I spent commuting to and from work in Boston can now be used for the HF bands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now starts the tedious process when one relocates with all the changes that need to be made. But one thing never changes, my love for the hobby and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code" target="_blank">Morse Code</a>. My equipment is still in my camper but my plans are to bring it all up here this weekend. With any luck, I will have my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> antenna out of the bag and sending and receiving radio signals on the HF bands once again. My wife has been warned, it won't be long before coax is once again strung through the house and the sweet sound of CW will be heard throughout. Stay tuned for photos and propagation reports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-84821082183218391632014-11-05T18:06:00.001-05:002014-11-05T18:06:43.371-05:00Double Hop<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz5JegyxB3o/VFqnHtyX9yI/AAAAAAAABEo/dDHzvEMLx-o/s1600/Combined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz5JegyxB3o/VFqnHtyX9yI/AAAAAAAABEo/dDHzvEMLx-o/s1600/Combined.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Road of Life</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having enjoyed Boston and this history rich area, I've missed the remote and open country we had in Alaska. Since Alaska is not yet back in the cards, remote locations however will once again be. Thankfully, radio travels easily and it won't be long before I'm signing AK2MA/7. I never put up anything permanent while living here on the east coast. And honestly, I've had little time for radio and I seriously miss the activity on the bands. As I've mentioned many times before, that's the great thing about this hobby, it's waiting for you when your schedule allows. But life sometimes gets a bit busy and priorities become a bit different. Missing another contest season is tough but maybe someday we can settle down enough for me to put up another average station. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As my job takes me to new adventures in a new part of our beautiful country, I'm hopeful that I will find a bit more time to get back into playing on the CW and digital portions of the ham bands. I will have my portable set up as we travel across the country but I'm sure winter weather and time restrictions will limit my activity until I once again get settled at our new QTH. Like propagation, our double hop move will be exciting but like many moves, this one is bittersweet. Leaving behind new friends and of course, we will be farther from our long time friends and family (most). But, some old friends await our arrival to our new QTH and it will be fun reuniting with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thankful for my career opportunity and I'm looking forward to the months ahead. As I put 1'land in my rear view mirror sometime in December, I will be leaving behind many a fond memory of this propagation rich part of the country. And with that, it's on to Chapter 4... </span><br />
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<br />This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-83699626342239383862014-08-27T20:46:00.001-04:002014-08-27T20:50:53.926-04:00Warm, Humid & Busy with the ARRL DX CW Contest in the Rear View.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sNnCBd7ss8/U_5rz9w7dnI/AAAAAAAAAmI/w583rNGL3bM/s1600/Blog%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sNnCBd7ss8/U_5rz9w7dnI/AAAAAAAAAmI/w583rNGL3bM/s1600/Blog%2BRoad.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winding (Grinding) Road of Life</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here we are at the end of August and normally, I'd be excited about the upcoming contest season. The reality of it is, there has been little time for ham radio. That does not appear to be changing any time soon. My last QSO was a contest QSO during the <u><a href="http://www.cqwpx.com/" target="_blank">CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest</a></u> on May 25th, 2014! I knew it had been awhile but I did not know it had been that long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living down here in the lower 48, it's still very warm and humid. Back in Alaska, they have snow in the forecast and it's weather I was used to this time of year. Summers seemed short but with the 24 hours of daylight, you packed in many an hour of summer fun before the September snows arrived. Here, summers are much longer as is fall, so there is more time to spend doing things outdoors, if you have the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weeks are long, the weekends are short and life has been very busy. We (my wife and I) spend hours and hours commuting to and from work each week, at least fifteen hours per week. That right there is my radio time. My weekends are for home activities and when the weather allows, we hop on the Harley and head for less busy roads, normally into New Hampshire. The photo above was taken by my bridal passenger as we made our way down a less traveled road enjoying the lack of commuter mayhem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like to compare my current life to a weekend contest. Fast paced, lots of interference or QRM (traffic), some great runs (early morning commutes when we beat the crowd) and some grinds, those days when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, which is most afternoons. I went from apps that ran <a href="http://www.aprs.org/" target="_blank">APRS</a> to apps the help me find the path of last resistance, like <a href="https://www.waze.com/" target="_blank">WAZE</a>. When we lived in Alaska, I never worried about traffic! Here, it's key to getting some of my life back. If you're not familiar with WAZE, it's a live representation of traffic conditions and it can help you find the least congested path to your destination. If I did not use WAZE on a daily basis, I'd be losing even more of my personal life. I have no affiliation with the company, only a satisfied user. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do I miss ham radio? Seems most everyone is pretty darn friendly, with the exception being the 14.313 idiots. Hams create software that would cost hundreds and maybe thousands of dollars in the real world and we can download them for free! Nothing is free here in MA! There is a tax, a fee, or a process for everything! My yearly license plate excise taxes would easily purchase that new HF rig I've wanted for years! I miss communicating with the different HF modes and here, people communicate with horns and hand signals. European pileups were cake compared to life in the Boston fast lane. Kudos to those that live for it and enjoy it, but like SSB contests, it's not really my cup of tea (Pun intended).</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY7sL4_mt7o/U_52LqucaXI/AAAAAAAAAmc/UxguyhXj01s/s1600/OFFICIAL%2BARRL%2BDX%2BCW.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY7sL4_mt7o/U_52LqucaXI/AAAAAAAAAmc/UxguyhXj01s/s1600/OFFICIAL%2BARRL%2BDX%2BCW.bmp" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA Single Band QRP Effort</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In reviewing my ARRL DX CW Contest results, I obviously busted a callsign or two. I'm not a CW expert nor do I claim to be. I do try to get each and every QSO accurately logged but like many factors in my life, I'm still striving for perfection. The screenshot to the right is from the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/results-database?event_id=55337" target="_blank">ARRL Contest Results</a> page. When I look back at my setup, I can't help but be happy with my score. Low power, indoor antenna, minimal effort and I wanted to send a few extra points to the <a href="http://yccc.org/" target="_blank">Yankee Clipper Contest Club</a>. I can only imagine what I might have accomplished if I had my AK setup down here! But any contest effort is better than none. So in the end, how did I do? My 3830 pre-log checking post is listed below. I think I did pretty well considering QRP in a major contest is normally a struggle but working with my setup tested my patience and operating skill like never before. I'm most pleased that I kept all my MULTS (multipliers). Hopefully future contests will be logged at ARS AK2MA, where ever that might be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3830 Post Below -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ARRL DX Contest, CW<br />Call: AK2MA<br />Operator(s): AK2MA<br />Station: AK2MA<br />Class: SOSB/15 QRP<br />QTH: MA<br />Operating Time (hrs): 16.5<br />Summary:<br /> Band QSOs Mults<br />-------------------<br /> 160:<br /> 80:<br /> 40:<br /> 20:<br /> 15: 150 57<br /> 10:<br />-------------------<br />Total: 150 57 Total Score = 25,650</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Club: Yankee Clipper Contest Club</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Comments:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Since moving to MA from Alaska, I've spend the vast majority of<br />my time unpacking and getting settled back here in the lower 48.<br />My antenna's and equipment are still mothballed and I don't see<br />any real station for me anytime soon. I've pulled my portable<br />equipment out and that's my current station setup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Spending 9½ years as KL8DX at Denali, this was a very different<br />experience for me. And to make it more extreme, I decided to give<br />QRP a try. That in itself can be challenging but what made it even<br />more challenging was operating with an indoor antenna. I decided<br />on 15 meters for my single band entry as I figured that would offer<br />me the best conditions and the most multipliers for my QRP effort.<br />My evenings were busy so my strategy was to get the best bang for<br />my QRP buck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />It seems the Alaska weather has followed me. As in the case over<br />the last few weekends, I spent a large part of this weekend clearing<br />10+ inches of fresh snow which took up the vast majority of my contest<br />effort. I did not get on the air until Saturday morning so I knew going<br />in, this was not going to be a all out QRP effort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I won't bore you with the details of my QRP struggles but operating on<br />this side of the pileup and running QRP has been a humbling experience.<br />So many great stations / operators / receivers that pulled my weak signal<br />out for a contest QSO. I missed more multipliers that were loud but could<br />not hear me, but I expected that. I'm still satisfied with my limited<br />effort. Sorry to EC2DX & IB9T for the dupes. My filtered IC-703+ handled<br />the busy band quite well. Many European stations had my Icom bouncing on<br />the kitchen table they were so unbelievably strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />73, Phil AK2MA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Station: Kitchen table setup consisting of IC703+ @5W or less<br />Antenna: Buddipole Deluxe in upstairs hallway<br />Sofware: Mini Dell using N3FJP's Contest Log</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Work: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bost/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.nps.gov/bost/index.htm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://ak2ma.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://ak2ma.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.ourwindingroad.net/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ourwindingroad.net/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: <a href="http://www.3830scores.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.3830scores.com/</a>______________________________________________<br />3830 mailing list<br />3830@contesting.com<br /><a href="http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/3830" rel="nofollow">http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/3830</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-86703345362192375752014-06-15T21:00:00.000-04:002014-06-15T21:00:15.076-04:00Dayton 2014 Part 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0c-CqRn8io/U54ll2ZLRQI/AAAAAAAAAj0/6POrx3EwSGo/s1600/Purchased+Stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0c-CqRn8io/U54ll2ZLRQI/AAAAAAAAAj0/6POrx3EwSGo/s1600/Purchased+Stuff.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2014 Dayton Purchases</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My purchase moments while at the Dayton Hamvention® are those items you see in my photo to the left. My main planned purchase was going to be a portable antenna analyzer that could be easily carried with my current Buddipole setup. MFJ had one I was extremely interested in but I ended up with the <a href="http://www.iportableus.com/_mgxroot/page_10750.html" target="_blank">iPortable IP60z</a>. The early reviews on this unit were not very favorable but I know a few who have tested it with good results. So, I opted to purchase it. Things I like, this little unit covers the HF bands plus 6 meters. It is powered by a 9 volt battery so carrying a spare will keep me from finding it useless miles from the truck. And finally, the size and portability of the unit. I have the BIG MFJ analyzer but this will at least help me tune my portable antennas in the field. When you are running QRP, you want every watt to count. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXjeomolzGY/U54sFVsnfdI/AAAAAAAAAkE/SkqbDV_Ycgk/s1600/Peanut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXjeomolzGY/U54sFVsnfdI/AAAAAAAAAkE/SkqbDV_Ycgk/s1600/Peanut.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next is my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/chokebalun.html" target="_blank">Buddipole Choke Balun</a> which will help keep any unwanted RF from traveling down my feedline. I do on occasion run more power than QRP so this should help keep my audio from sounding funny and my rig from glowing. I purchased both from the <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> booth at Dayton. The highlight was purchasing these items from Steve, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/goathiker" target="_blank">wG0AT</a>. In 2010, I had some work related training in MO. My wife and I flew into MO and afterwards, we hit Ohio to visit friends and family. From there, we headed out to Colorado for a few days on our way back to Alaska. I had dropped Steve a note asking if it was okay to stop by. Steve gave us the thumbs up after getting approval from Rooster (SK) and Peanut. It was such an honor to spend a day with Steve and the goats climbing Mount Herman! Steve did a great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nca-JTHFSJU" target="_blank">video</a> of our operation and I have to say, I was bitten by the QRP bug from then on! Thanks, Steve!!! I detailed a bit on my <a href="http://kl8dx.blogspot.com/2010/04/vacations-over-but-goats-were-best.html" target="_blank">KL8DX blog</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My final purchase was the interface and software by <a href="https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/" target="_blank">rt Systems</a> which will allow me to easily program my Kenwood TM-D700D radios. I can now keep everything on my computer and when traveling to various locations easily upload my saved frequency information for various repeaters and simplex frequencies. Sean helped me decide on this purchase so it came highly recommended. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, hitting Dayton was extremely memorable but it was great to finally put faces with callsigns. It was a pleasure to finally meet the BIG HAMMER himself, Tim KG8OC. With Tim, was his wife Sandy (KB8WJT) so it was a pleasure to meet her, too! Also highlights were finally meeting Karen, W4KRN and Curt, WA2JSG. Like Tim, I got to QSO with those two pretty frequently when I was in Alaska during <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/" target="_blank">SKCC</a> events. Also with Curt, was Jim, K8SSS who I also worked a few times on the straight key while I was in Alaska. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through Facebook, I set a sked with Craig, NM8W. I used to work with Craig's cousin back in Ohio. Also, it was finally great to meet up with Warren, VA3UG. I've worked them on the bands as well and it was sure great to spend a bit of stadium seating time with them. Craig had his son with him so I bet there is a future ham in that household!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1mZpeGkfSQ/U54zBkb6uVI/AAAAAAAAAkU/RfoK3HMfkoU/s1600/Grandbabies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1mZpeGkfSQ/U54zBkb6uVI/AAAAAAAAAkU/RfoK3HMfkoU/s1600/Grandbabies.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand kids</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Dayton, we made a quick trip up to see or daughters and grand kids. The advantage of being many thousands of miles closer is being able to see our grandchildren more frequently. You can sure bet I will introduce them to ham radio when it's time. The trip seemed short but it was extremely fun. I didn't get to do all that I wanted to but there hopefully will be future trips. I'm going off of memory as to those I met so hopefully I'm not forgetting anyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The culmination to our Dayton adventure was the <a href="http://www.contestdinner.com/" target="_blank">Dayton Contest Dinner</a> on Saturday night. Sean. KL1SF and I sat with a few of the Alaska group. It was great to meet Kevin, KL7KY! I've heard Kevin on the bands for several years so it was nice to actually chat with him off frequency and meet him. Kevin was accompanied by Jeff, KL7JVD and Tim, KL7WV (aka W3YQ). Tim and I have a mutual Buckeye State connection, Dan W8CAR. I actually ran into Dan after Contest University so it was great chatting with him, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of the Alaska group, I had my eye out for Rich, KL7RA. Rich invited me into the Alaska contest group shortly after I had arrived to the 49th and with their help, I was able to dive into contesting and never look back. Being affiliated with the group really helped me grow as a contester. I wanted to finally meet Rich and thank him personally for helping me and also for allowing me to be part of the best group of contesters I know. Mission accomplished! I owe much of my success to them and for that, I will be forever grateful. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYQN7vTSmrc/U547mR-G2pI/AAAAAAAAAkk/_D5WiJJboQk/s1600/KL8DX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYQN7vTSmrc/U547mR-G2pI/AAAAAAAAAkk/_D5WiJJboQk/s1600/KL8DX.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My APRS Alaska Departure</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to believe that a year ago, I was on my way to the East Coast. The APRS map shows my final packets sent while leaving Alaska. I think about Alaska often and sadly, I have not made a contact in many weeks! Life is just so busy here and with long commutes, long work weeks and short weekends, it feels as if there is no time for ham radio. My weekends are booked for the next few months and I'm looking forward to putting to use those items I purchased at Dayton. Yes, they are still in the bag I brought them home in. Rest assured, operating day will come again but for now, I will throw out an APRS packet burst from time to time. That will be the extent of my operating but if I can pull out a few minutes on a nice weekend, I'm looking forward to some /p operating. Could be wishful thinking but only time will tell, or that lack of... </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-55057823855190666822014-06-07T14:39:00.000-04:002014-06-07T16:59:44.282-04:00Hamvention 2014 Reviewed - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 2014 <a href="http://www.hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Hamvention</a>® is now history for another year. As mentioned in my previous blog entry, this was the first year that I attended this ham radio extravaganza. It was everything that I had come to expect and a bit more. It's hard to realize the scale of such an event until you actually take part. I've seen the articles, the pictures, the reviews but actually attending the Hamvention® put things into perspective for me. The highlight was attending with my long time very close friend, Sean KL1SF. Sean had been to the Hamvention® before but it had been several years. So together, we spent all day Friday and a large part of Saturday roaming the ham hallways both inside and out. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErqONj83jxI/U5LyzWUQPVI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/RmK7EnC76tw/s1600/Dayton+Kenwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErqONj83jxI/U5LyzWUQPVI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/RmK7EnC76tw/s1600/Dayton+Kenwood.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being this was my first ever Dayton Hamvention® experience, it was ham sensory overload. Like a new ham turning on their radio during a contest weekend, I had no idea where to start and it was a bit overwhelming. But like managing a pileup, we hit the vendor booths one at at time. This is the "Kid in the Candy Store" part for of the Hamvention®. Hams are encourage to touch and get up close and personal with all sorts of ham radio equipment. It's one thing to see advertisements in your favorite ham radio magazines but it's another to actually see your dream equipment sitting on a table or shelf directly in front of you. There are towers standing tall and antenna's erected inside buildings. The ham per square foot ratio is greater than any DX pileup I've experienced. At the start, it reminded me of Boston traffic!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CkToAORaag/U5Ly7DmOh8I/AAAAAAAAAiY/yzdPZPksNf4/s1600/SeanCOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CkToAORaag/U5Ly7DmOh8I/AAAAAAAAAiY/yzdPZPksNf4/s1600/SeanCOM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've owned and operated many an Icom HF radio over the years. My main HF radio is the Icom 756PRO, currently boxed indefinitely. Like most anything electronic, the radio is really not that old but in the electronic world, my purchased year 2000, 756PRO is vintage. With that said, if there is a day I build another station, I will be in the market for a second radio as PRO parts by then, will probably be tough to come by. The photo to the left is Sean, KL1SF getting some hands on time with the Icom, IC-7800. Yep, I would love to spend some quality time with that HF rig! But for now, being able to see it lit up like a Christmas tree and being able to give the VFO a test spin or two, will have to do. Either way, it's at the top of my would love to own list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sean, KL1SF has been extremely active with <a href="http://www.aprs.org/" target="_blank">APRS</a> for many years. Sean actually got me interested in running it. Sean had an iGate in Denali for several years and is now running APRS and doing the same at the Grand Canyon. So, anything APRS catches his attention. I have two Kenwood D-700A's that I use. Here is Sean checking out the latest Kenwood APRS 710 series radio. Of course, of all the APRS rigs that are out there, the <a href="http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=227201D29C822AEFF8482F3367495319&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0" target="_blank">Yaesu FTM-400DR</a> is the one we both were excited to look at. It appears that the unit is all inclusive and all you need to do is install and you are on your way! Internal GPS and APRS capability built under the hood. And they apparently went quickly as it was not long before they were hard to find. Had I not already had two Kenwood's, I'm sure Sean would of helped talk me into taking one home with me. That's what ham friends do!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DDh-86GQMM/U5NLzZhvgZI/AAAAAAAAAjE/cSHZJqYqDUE/s1600/TS-590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DDh-86GQMM/U5NLzZhvgZI/AAAAAAAAAjE/cSHZJqYqDUE/s1600/TS-590.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another rig that has been receiving great <a href="http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/9266" target="_blank">reviews</a> is the <a href="http://www.kenwoodusa.com/communications/amateur_radio/hf_base_mobile/ts-590s" target="_blank">Kenwood TS-590</a>. Some have even been comparing it as an equal to the K3! And this radio was one I also had my eye on. I will never have a BIG station and I'm always looking for the best bang for my buck. Lower middle class buck that is. This rig, along with a few in the Yaesu line are what I would consider affordable. I'm still in awe today that there is a market for a $6,000-$10,000 radio! Me, I'm in the $2,500 or less, preferably less. As mentioned before, it was nice to get some one on one time with several radios at the Dayton Hamvention®. It's hard not to pull out the plastic and walk away with a large box but since I don't really have a station at the moment, it was much easier to resist temptation. Of course, like a good ham who is trying to support the economy, I had intentions of spending <i>some</i> money and that I did. But more on that later.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdblnAXVHfE/U5MFL1ZZAZI/AAAAAAAAAio/_zIqxoOjrfA/s1600/KL1SF+Tested.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdblnAXVHfE/U5MFL1ZZAZI/AAAAAAAAAio/_zIqxoOjrfA/s1600/KL1SF+Tested.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The big celebration at the Dayton Hamvention® was of course the 100th Birthday of the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/" target="_blank">American Radio Relay League</a> (ARRL). The <a href="http://www.arrl.org/centennial#regional" target="_blank">Centennial</a> celebration has been in full swing for several months. Even for the inactive ham like myself, I've been reading about all the special event stations and activities surrounding this special birthday. We spent a bit of time roaming the ARRL area. Sean, like many who are roaming the ham hallways, had is Handie-Talkie (HT) with him. The ARRL lab folks were on hand to give free testing for any and all HT's! What a service! The good news was, his HT was diagnosed as functionally clean and as his wife will attest, his transmitter was working just fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another perk of attending big events such as the Hamvention® was all the free stuff! Yes, us hams, we love our free stuff! Like the free food sample cart in Sam's Club, free stuff will draw a crowd and it can be like a traffic jam during rush hour! I came home with a small collection of free stuff myself. I only snag those things I will use or have a need for, leaving those I don't to others who do. Missing from the photo to the left is my Yaesu ballcap, probably because it was on my head and I forgot all about it. It was also nice to have a bag to carry around not only for all my free stuff but also the stuff that I purchased. Yep, everything I purchased fit nicely into one bag. And just because it was small does not mean that it was cheap! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were several more highlights during the Hamvention® all of which I will detail in my next blog, Part 2. I got to meet old friends and new. It was great to finally put some faces with callsigns. The eyeball QSO's were exactly what I had hoped for and as it turns out, there were a few I missed. Even though I probably won't be attending the Hamvention® next year, I'm sure there are a few other ham gatherings that I'll be attending which will allow me to continue to add to the eyeball QSO count. No uploading of data is necessary to confirm those QSO's and in many cases, it beats any award you could hang on the wall. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-13699376224389458962014-05-31T09:12:00.000-04:002014-05-31T09:16:42.408-04:00Dayton 2014 - Contest University<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowne Plaza Home of The Before, During and After Parties</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As our Dayton plans became a reality, one of the events I wanted to attend was the <a href="http://www.contestuniversity.com/" target="_blank">Contest University</a> (CTU) which was held at the Crowne Plaza on the Thursday before the <a href="http://www.hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Hamvention</a>. The plan was for me to spend the day here and by the time the seminars were over, my close friend Sean, KL1SF and his family would have arrived at Dayton. I was up early and had my wife drop me off about 30 minutes before registration began. It was a short night as we did not arrive until very late on Wednesday night. Our hotel was about 20 minutes away (normal traffic) from the <a href="http://www.cpdayton.com/" target="_blank">Crowne Plaza</a> hotel. Even though I was still recovering from our 13 hour drive and late arrival the night before, no snooze button was abused as this was a ham radio event I was excited to attend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I arrived and picked up my Contest University bag of goodies, I grabbed a few small items from the breakfast buffet. I found my seat toward the front of the crowded room and enjoyed my wake-up cup of coffee and light breakfast. I then turned my focused on all those hams in the same room. I started looking at all the callsign badges being worn by all those in attendance. Like a quality control inspector <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candling" target="_blank">candling</a> at an egg packaging factory, my focus was on all those badges going by me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I struck up a conversation with <a href="http://www.k5nd.net/" target="_blank">Jim, K5ND</a> who was sitting directly behind me. Jim is very active with <a href="http://www.k5nd.net/k2bsa-station/" target="_blank">Radio Scouting</a> and it was very interesting speaking with Jim in regards to this part of the hobby he is very passionate about. You can find more information at the <a href="http://www.k2bsa.net/" target="_blank">K2BSA</a> website. I had been involved with scouting at an early age but sadly, nothing in regards to radio was ever discussed around our campfires.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contest University began with Tim, K3LR welcoming everyone. Tim explained the days happenings and how things were going to play out throughout the remainder of the day. Tim was followed by Randy, K5ZD who discussed Radio Sport Contesting. This is the second time I've heard Randy talk about ham radio. Randy is a great public speaker and his topic, "Let's Do This Right - Radio Sport Contesting" was yet another fantastic presentation. The presentation focused on playing the game (contesting) honestly and fairly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who have never attended Contest University, there were four <a href="http://www.contestuniversity.com/attachments/2014_CTU_CLASSES.pdf" target="_blank">Contest Topic Sessions</a> going on at the same time. You review the list (schedule) and decide which topic session (Salon or room) you want to attend. If there happened to be a conflict and two of your favorites were being presented at the same time, there was also a voted rerun of the most popular presentations later in the day. This made it possible (at least for me) to snag a session I missed earlier due to the time conflict. I actually looked at the list prior to leaving for Dayton, so I had my sessions picked out before hand. Each of these sessions are lead by well known contesters and subject matter experts. These sessions ran close to an hour in length and were packed with great information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sessions I attended during the morning and early afternoon are listed below. Of course there were a few sessions I would of liked to attend but I've never perfected being in more than one place at a time. So, I was SO1R, Single Operator 1 Room. Here are those sessions that were at the top of my list to attend;</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Best Hints to Becoming a Better Contester - N0AX</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Essentials of RTTY Contesting - W0YK</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Advanced RTTY Contest - W0YK</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The DX Cluster, CW Skimmers & The Reverse Beacon - N6TV</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first session was very informative and Ward covered the basics of becoming a better contester. Anyone starting out in contesting would find Ward's presentation full of great information. The 2nd and 3rd presentations I attended covered my favorite contesting digital mode, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioteletype" target="_blank">RTTY</a> (Radio Teletype). Ed's RTTY sessions were extremely packed with information with little time for Q&A. Thankfully the afternoon sessions were an open discussion format for getting any questions answered that one might have. The Advanced RTTY session was similar to the Essentials of RTTY Contesting session but did expand on a few topics a little bit more. After Ed's Advanced RTTY Contest session, we rolled into lunch. Lunch was of the boxed variety and immediately after lunch, Doug, K1DG gave a presentation regarding the <a href="http://www.wrtc2014.org/" target="_blank">World Radiosport Team Competition</a> (WRTC). It was then followed by Tim, K3LR speaking on Radio Contesting's Future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During lunch, the highlight for me was meeting Kevin, KL7KY. I had heard Kevin on the radio during many contests while living in Alaska and it was great to finally put a face with a callsign. I sat with Kevin and a few of his fellow Alaskan hams at the Contest Dinner but I will expand on that more in a future blog post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The afternoon session by N6TV, Bob covered many of the current modern day spotting methods for Morse Code (CW) and how it all works. One of the things I was excited to learn about was the graphing ability, post contest, from data captured from the Skimmers and the Reverse Beacon Network. In short, it gives you a visual presentation of your signal in regards to how it was being heard around the globe. Also, like a traffic camera at a busy intersection, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CW_Skimmer" target="_blank">Skimmers</a> and <a href="http://www.reversebeacon.net/" target="_blank">Reverse Beacon Network</a> are helping to curb cheating and those who are breaking the rules. Skimmers have sure changed the game in my humble opinion. I prefer contesting unassisted so the only impact I saw was the immediate and crazy pileups when I operated CW contests while in Alaska as <a href="http://kl8dx.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KL8DX</a>. You no sooner found a run frequency and the masses showed up. Kinda reminds me of hunting at a hunt club. You can now operate a large part of a contest without touching your VFO. You can continuously click spots on your bandmap and log contacts. But one must remember, not everything spotted is accurate. I bust enough of my own callsigns, I don't need anyone else's help ;0)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduate Certficate</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did not attend the entire afternoon sessions as I was more excited to see Sean and his family when they arrived. It had been a few years since we last saw them. They visited with us in Alaska a few years ago on one of their return trips. I did however listen in on a few of the question and answer sessions prior to my early departure. Even though I did not get to attend all the sessions I wanted, it was well worth attending Contest University 2014. The topics were great and the only thing that would of made the experience better would of been if I could have attended <b>all</b> the sessions. Each attendee took home a nice bag of goodies and you know us hams, we love our grab bags of stuff! In the grab bag of stuff was a Contesting University book which had the slides from each of the PowerPoint presentations. So even though I did not get to attend all the sessions, I can still go back and read through each of the slides when time allows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A tip of the hat goes to Tim, K3LR and all the instructors. There is obviously lots of time and effort that goes into putting Contesting University together. It has something for everyone, even if you are not into contesting. <a href="http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/" target="_blank">Icom</a> and <a href="http://www.dxengineering.com/" target="_blank">DX Engineering</a> along with other sponsors made this event possible. I can now cross one more event from my Bucket List. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-76272528790677391752014-05-26T10:28:00.000-04:002014-05-26T20:58:12.594-04:00Doin' Dayton 2014<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Sl0GUtzFkI/U4NF-qGklmI/AAAAAAAAAg4/HCbFqtmd2Bw/s1600/DaytonCartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Sl0GUtzFkI/U4NF-qGklmI/AAAAAAAAAg4/HCbFqtmd2Bw/s1600/DaytonCartoon.jpg" height="87" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dayton Hamvention 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year was finally the year that I made the <a href="http://www.hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Hamvention</a>. It was made special as it combined a family trip with a family reunion of sorts. Our long time Hamily (hams that are family) Sean, KL1SF and his wife Mindy, KL1MF met us at Dayton. We had not seen them for a few years so this made Dayton even more special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wife (KL8SU) and I left MA the Wednesday before the Hamvention as I had reservations for <a href="http://www.contestuniversity.com/" target="_blank">Contest University</a> on Thursday morning. Sean and Mindy were due to arrive in Dayton on Thursday afternoon. The plan was going to be, the guys would do the Hamvention and the girls would do...well, what girls do when their ham husbands do radio stuff. And that is exactly how it played out. I had surprised Sean with tickets to Saturday nights <a href="http://www.contestdinner.com/" target="_blank">Contest Dinner</a>. We would then wake up on Sunday morning, have a nice breakfast together and head our separate ways. Sean and Mindy were winding down on their vacation and ours was just getting started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Dayton, my wife and I headed to central Ohio and spend a few days with the kids and grand kids. From there, we headed to Northern Ohio to our old stomping grounds near Lake Erie to see a few more of our friends and family before heading back to MA over the Memorial holiday weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dayton Hamvention led to some personal sensory overload but it was exciting to finally put faces to many a callsign I had worked over the years. In my next few blog entries, I will highlight most of my activities at Dayton. The weather could not have been better (we did get a little rain and hail) but no complaints from this ham. I did make a few purchases but I did not over overindulge so it was a financially successful trip as well. Unlike Sean, I was not limited to carry on so that is what I'm most proud of. I could have fit plenty in the back of the family car. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As life gets back to normal and our daily grind is about to begin yet again, Dayton turned out to be the medicine that I needed. Spending a large part of my life living in the Buckeye state, it's hard to believe this was my very first time at Dayton. Better late than never, right? I'm sure it won't be my last trip but it was certainly fun seeing all the ham vehicles driving around Dayton. From hairdo's to vehicles, there were plenty of antennas roaming Dayton Ohio for the Hamvention weekend. </span></div>
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-79662446275223183952014-04-19T08:58:00.001-04:002014-04-19T08:58:38.662-04:00Ham Stuff<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDJwU-qODhQ/U1Ju313vDEI/AAAAAAAAAgc/qU1J-3yXXgA/s1600/Ham+Crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDJwU-qODhQ/U1Ju313vDEI/AAAAAAAAAgc/qU1J-3yXXgA/s1600/Ham+Crazy.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Name Badge From Ham Crazy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I'm finding myself attending a few more ham social functions now being the lower 48, I was shopping for a callsign badge. I've had great luck with my callsign hats using <a href="http://www.astridsembroidery.com/" target="_blank">Astrid's</a> (WM8C) and I recently used <a href="http://www.hamcrazy.com/" target="_blank">Ham Crazy</a> for my <a href="http://www.hamcrazy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_5&products_id=165" target="_blank">callsign badge</a>. I have no financial interest in either of these companies, I'm only a very satisfied customer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered my callsign badge on the 15th of this month and it was in my mailbox on the 18th! My scanner does not capture the true color of my callsign badge but it's as you can see on their website. Great quality and I did change up my order a bit. I did not want my QTH printed on the badge as I see it changing a few more times over the next few years. I opted for my previous callsigns instead of my town and state. It was professionally done and I'm impressed with the order to my doorstep time. As we get close to the BIG Hamvention, it was time for me to update my wearable signage, which I've done with both companies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-64520041106379438982014-04-06T08:55:00.001-04:002014-04-06T08:55:27.871-04:00YCCC - The Contesting Echelon in my Backyard<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ6o2nLiALk/U0E9HVr4NII/AAAAAAAAAf0/G9dt7yzH7r0/s1600/YCCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ6o2nLiALk/U0E9HVr4NII/AAAAAAAAAf0/G9dt7yzH7r0/s1600/YCCC.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ID - Contest Style</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent yesterday afternoon (Saturday) attending the <a href="http://yccc.org/" target="_blank">Yankee Clipper Contest Club</a> (YCCC) meeting in Sturbridge, MA. I very much enjoy contesting so once we relocated, taking the advice from a well known contester or two in Alaska, this was the club I wanted to join once we got settled. I fall within the clubs <a href="http://yccc.org/images/YCCC/yccc-center.jpg" target="_blank">radius</a> (territory) which works out perfectly. The only downside to this entire scenario is my main station is disassembled and I won't be able (with my current situation) to help with other than a minimal score on those contest weekends I participate in. My goal is to eventually help out with some multi-operator stations if I can. Since I run indoors and mostly QRP now, it limits my ability for any high scoring contribution. But, they are glad for any points the membership can contribute. I just know I'm capable of much more but I'm limited by my current setup. I feel like <a href="http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2014/4/5/sprint-cup-series-coors-light-qualifying-pole-texas-motor-speedway-results.html" target="_blank">Tony Stewart</a> running a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR" target="_blank">NASCAR</a> race in a 1974 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Pinto" target="_blank">Pinto</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Attending these meetings, I'm in the company of many of the elite of the contesting world. The club is made up of seasoned and well known contesters along with newcomers who are just getting started. Meetings, such as the one I attended yesterday, can be very beneficial in learning the basics and beyond of contesting. Just as one would sit in a college classroom and learn from their instructor, this is a room full experienced contesters, all of whom are encyclopedia's of contesting know-how. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The club meeting consisted of a few club presentations, one of which being on the top of my "can't wait to see" list. The first presentation was a detailed slideshow of the planning and building of the contest station owned by Fred & Anita Kemmerer, AB1OC and AB1QB. They have a very nice <a href="http://stationproject.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> which details their station build. This, like many other stations we read about, is a station I personally could only dream of. However, it's a perfect testament that even with the smallest of stations, it's always worth coming up with a plan after research and before one breaks ground. Anita, like myself, loves the digital modes. Their presentation was extremely detailed and informative even if areas were a bit out of my knowledge comfort zone. The highlight for me was seeing that I had worked Anita, AB1QB from my station in Alaska. They did a nice graphical Google Earth element during their presentation that showed the calls and different countries (entities) they had worked. I got a quick glance at my old call as their presentation scanned over their impressive globe of QSO's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second presentation was the one I was even more excited about. Randy, K5ZD put on a <b>great</b> slideshow titled, "How to be a better single operator" and this is where I fall into the contesting mix. I'm always looking for that next tool or piece of advice that will help me increase my contest score. Randy's advice is something of value to ALL contesters, new and old. I've worked Randy many times over the years and he's certainly one to learn from. And, you should recognize Randy's callsign from the <a href="http://www.cqwpx.com/blog/" target="_blank">CQ Contest World</a>. His signature and callsign are on many of my CQ Contest Awards. I happened to mention to Randy some of the headaches I dealt with on my run frequencies during contests. I would get miss spotted on the DX Cluster and I would immediately start to get several duplicate QSO's. I'd work them, but too many would take what they see on the Cluster as gospel. I would give my call after each and every QSO but I still would end up with several duplicates in most of the major CW contests. And don't guess on callsigns, if you're not sure, ask! Some more great advice by Randy. I used to see many bust my call when I operated in Alaska. One of those contests I summarized my <a href="http://kl8dx.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-kl8dx-classroom-i-recently-received.html" target="_blank">Log Checking Report</a> (LCR) from the CQ World Wide CW DX Contest. In there, are a few I copied incorrectly, many of which were prime examples by Randy. I'm at times challenged being fatigued with the letters "S" and "H" during CW contests, especially if the other station is sending like they having been drinking <a href="http://energydrink.redbull.com/" target="_blank">Red Bull</a> for hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final presentation was given by Chet, N8RA. His presentation titled, "Field Day from a Sailboat" was very interesting as well. We hams often have a desire to operate in the strangest (and coolest) places. Chet presented his challenges in setting up antenna's on the sailboat but in the end, it was a successful adventure. I also learned some information regarding tides which I had not known previously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I did not make a single ham radio QSO, it was a highly productive ham radio Saturday! As the club and many others prepare for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Radiosport_Team_Championship" target="_blank">WRTC</a>, it's going to be a <a href="http://www.wrtc2014.org/" target="_blank">Northeastern Ham Radio Event</a> like no other. I'm hoping to help where I can but that time appears to be in conflict with the dates of us finding and settling into our next QTH. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-10657761781173761742014-03-29T14:55:00.000-04:002014-03-29T14:55:16.972-04:00JT9 Transmitted & Received <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCikK0jWzYk/UzcSmqTMG4I/AAAAAAAAAfY/x7RO7a3gOLc/s1600/JT9+FirstQSO.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCikK0jWzYk/UzcSmqTMG4I/AAAAAAAAAfY/x7RO7a3gOLc/s1600/JT9+FirstQSO.bmp" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First JT9 QSO</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My very first QSO on <a href="http://www.arrl.org/have-a-great-time-with-jt9#1" target="_blank">JT9</a> was with PA3FOE just a few minutes ago. Success! I was running my indoor Buddipole antenna with my Icom IC-703+ at 4 watts. Since I was logging with an older version of Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) Logbook, I had to add the mode as it was not in my drop down menu. Once that was added, in the logbook my QSO went. Not a bad start but I'm finding the bands less than favorable today (Saturday). Obviously, this is when software generated weak signals modes will shine. Roughly a 3,500 mile QSO from MA to the Netherlands. Also, my Buddipole is being a bit stubborn today tuning the different bands. Or maybe the <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/coilclips.html" target="_blank">coil taps (clips)</a> are bit more challenging for my ageing eyes today. Running a Buddipole indoors is a bit more challenging to tune (obviously) as there is plenty to effect the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_wave_ratio" target="_blank">SWR</a>. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-13932399713084209972014-03-25T21:12:00.000-04:002014-03-25T21:12:51.244-04:00JT9, My Next Experimental Mode<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9I3xN7oPlD8/UzIkC78X96I/AAAAAAAAAfI/5PD48MNd2ps/s1600/JT9.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9I3xN7oPlD8/UzIkC78X96I/AAAAAAAAAfI/5PD48MNd2ps/s1600/JT9.bmp" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First JT9 Decodes by AK2MA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally downloaded <a href="http://obriensweb.com/wsjtx.html" target="_blank">WSJT-X</a> so I can experiment with <a href="http://www.arrl.org/have-a-great-time-with-jt9#1" target="_blank">JT9</a>. Since I have run JT65A for a few years, this has a familiar feel to it. There are some differences in which I will need to familiarize myself with. Since I'm running QRP for much of my operating here, this will be another great weak signal mode to snag some juicy DX with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to just monitor 40 meters tonight to see what I can hear. I probably won't attempt my first QSO with this mode until the weekend but I wanted to start getting familiar with it. The download was quick and the install was very easy. The program was decoding once I got the initial set-up completed (selecting the com port along with adding my callsign and grid square). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEj-i1I4rb4/UzIj_WQoy_I/AAAAAAAAAfE/t5njnLDYWJ4/s1600/AK2MAJt9.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEj-i1I4rb4/UzIj_WQoy_I/AAAAAAAAAfE/t5njnLDYWJ4/s1600/AK2MAJt9.bmp" height="289" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hamspots.net/jt/" target="_blank">Hamspots</a> JT9 & JT65 Spots with my first DX spot - G3VGZ</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I saw stations decoding, I set it up to report to the web those stations that I was hearing. This is where I will leave it run, in receive only mode. I prefer not to jump immediately into new software and start making QSO's. It's time now to sit back, read the manual (yes, that thing that we normally don't do) and then when I'm comfortable enough with the software, I'll throw out my first CQ's. I'm sure this will help me in my low band, QRP pursuit of snagging some countries that would otherwise be tough with my minimized set-up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently ordered a refurbished laptop which I plan on using as my main ham computer. Once it arrives, my desktop will be retired and the laptop will be my casual operating & contest computer. Since I won't have a dedicated hamshack for several more years, it's time I consolidate and downsize. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-2141079464489169512014-03-23T21:17:00.000-04:002014-03-24T08:48:14.983-04:00Bouncing Around the Globe, QRP Style. <div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Vn1y8Myf4/Uy98QpXOXPI/AAAAAAAAAeg/TrSh6367gCU/s1600/AK2MA+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Vn1y8Myf4/Uy98QpXOXPI/AAAAAAAAAeg/TrSh6367gCU/s1600/AK2MA+Station.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV Tray Set-up</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend was yet another <a href="http://hflink.com/jt65/" target="_blank">JT65A</a> weekend for me. I saw that 10 meters appeared to be active so on Saturday, I set the Buddipole up for that band. It was not long before I was decoding some very nice signals out of Europe. My first QSO came shortly after 1800z with OK1JKV. I was running 3-5 watts all weekend, not exceeding my band defying QRP wattage. And as the sun progressed westward, the propagation did as well. I copied several stations that I would have loved to have a QSO with but a few of the signals were just a bit on the light side. Strong enough to decode but at -24dB, there was not much hope for my JT65A QRP signal with the others also calling the same stations I had an interest in.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anFno2mKemU/Uy99UxrQNbI/AAAAAAAAAe0/1o0b4Of6aUE/s1600/VK2QQ.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anFno2mKemU/Uy99UxrQNbI/AAAAAAAAAe0/1o0b4Of6aUE/s1600/VK2QQ.bmp" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close but No Cigar</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the exciting moments for me over the weekend was when I saw that VK2QQ answered my CQ. I was elated to finally hear and possibly work into VK'land! Sadly, that's as far as the QSO went. I went back to VK2QQ a few times with no luck. So, it was close but no cigar! I know that I will have future opportunities and if anything, I now know when to start listening. Actually, if it were easy, it would not be as much fun. If you click on screen shot to the right, you will see that VK7DZ was also working stations and I had a copy on a QSO a few minutes earlier from that station. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bW43LZ93rk/Uy98PZvdmGI/AAAAAAAAAec/G5y6xxjRALw/s1600/703plus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bW43LZ93rk/Uy98PZvdmGI/AAAAAAAAAec/G5y6xxjRALw/s1600/703plus.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QRP 3 Watts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I've mentioned so many times blogging over the years, 10 meters is my favorite band. You just never know where it will take you when the band opens. You can work the band with pretty much any antenna with great results. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_licensing_in_the_United_States" target="_blank">Novice Enhancement</a> opened up 10 meters to hams years ago and it's been a great watering hole ever since. It was one of the first bands I really cut my teeth on and some of the best DX I've worked has been on this band. The other advantage to this band is that it's very broad, running from <a href="http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands_color.pdf" target="_blank">28.000 on up to 29.700</a>. There is plenty of room to have fun no matter what mode you prefer to operate. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-CrdRtvq4A/Uy98VjQFeJI/AAAAAAAAAes/NCUtqzE4Pm0/s1600/Lookn+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-CrdRtvq4A/Uy98VjQFeJI/AAAAAAAAAes/NCUtqzE4Pm0/s1600/Lookn+down.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AK2MA Table Top DX Station</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the weekend still pretty busy, I was able to let the <a href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/jt65-hf/" target="_blank">JT65HF</a> software decode and keep an eye on the band as I went about my other weekend activities. When I'm not operating, I will try to leave the software so that it uploads what I'm hearing. When I'm operating, I also like to see where I'm being heard so I keep my iPad handy connected to <a href="http://hamspots.net/" target="_blank">hamspots</a>. It's always very interesting to see how well I'm being heard in various directions and by which stations. My little corner of the kitchen is just that, little. But for now, it suits me just fine. As I ponder the thought of permanently downsizing my station, I'm trying to put together the best small station that I can. I've been impressed with the 703's ability on the digital modes. It's obviously not my 756PRO but it's a great compact rig. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkjkYP-C3EU/Uy93KkKXe_I/AAAAAAAAAeM/NB2Egv3MEm4/s1600/DK2HX.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkjkYP-C3EU/Uy93KkKXe_I/AAAAAAAAAeM/NB2Egv3MEm4/s1600/DK2HX.bmp" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DK2HX Indoor antenna to indoor antenna</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I logged into <a href="http://eqsl.cc/" target="_blank">eQSL</a> I had several cards waiting for QSO confirmation. One of which is pictured to the left. This was a bit unique as both Heinz and I were running indoor antenna's according to his comment at the bottom of his QSL card. Heinz was running 8 watts to his indoor magnetic loop antenna and I was running 5 watts (actually a tad less) with my indoor Buddipole. So, a perfect example what is possible when the band is open. A QSO over 3,500 miles away with a few watts feeding into indoor antenna's, both ways. With some good weak signal software and the right propagation, DX easily falls into the logbook just as it did for me this weekend. I'm hoping to venture on to JT9 here soon as well. I've heard a few hams mention it. That's the grand beauty of this hobby, there is something for everyone! </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-75547550687331923302014-03-16T22:09:00.000-04:002014-03-16T22:09:11.170-04:00Understanding My Propagation and Work'n a Few QRP<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN38c-PcRt8/UyZFlPahkdI/AAAAAAAAAc8/h4Jk6Q0ot6k/s1600/JT65A+March16th.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN38c-PcRt8/UyZFlPahkdI/AAAAAAAAAc8/h4Jk6Q0ot6k/s1600/JT65A+March16th.bmp" height="126" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PSK Reporter Map for AK2MA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My personal schedule has been pretty busy over the last few weekends but I wanted to get on and play a bit this weekend. My goal was to get back on JT65 and work a few stations. Saturday was out of the question but I was bound and determined to get the indoor Buddipole hooked up to the IC-703+ on Sunday. I actually did get things hooked up late Saturday night and just let JT65 send reception reports to the internet while being parked on 20 meters.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYbRjJ4HRww/UyZFkQ3Li3I/AAAAAAAAAc4/COyEHsXFofM/s1600/JT65+AK.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYbRjJ4HRww/UyZFkQ3Li3I/AAAAAAAAAc4/COyEHsXFofM/s1600/JT65+AK.bmp" height="124" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the great uses of weak signal software like <a href="http://jt65-hf.com/downloads/" target="_blank">JT65HF</a> of <a href="http://wsprnet.org/drupal/" target="_blank">WSPR</a> (just to name a few), it allows you to study propagation patterns to and from your QTH. This is a great tool when you are looking for a certain section of the globe that has evaded your logbook. I have to think back to the days when there was no internet and to work a new one, you either monitored the local packet cluster via AX25 Packet, received a phone call from a fellow ham or just happened to stumble across that new one. How did we survive? Call me crazy but I actually miss those days. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBUyc304nm0/UyZGzmaP3zI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rDKCHWV85qQ/s1600/JT65A+Japan.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBUyc304nm0/UyZGzmaP3zI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rDKCHWV85qQ/s1600/JT65A+Japan.bmp" height="124" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using <a href="http://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html" target="_blank">PSK Reporter</a>, I was able to determine what I was hearing and when. Doing a bit of homework will pay off if you study how propagation works. Of course, there is a bit more to it, but understanding when a certain part of the globe might be heard from your QTH is a great start. I recently read a blog entry from <a href="http://kl2r.blogspot.com/2014/03/sked-look-at-map.html" target="_blank">KL2R</a> that hit this subject directly. Larry outlined some great advice. Not that each and every ham needs to be a propagational expert (I'm far from being one) but it pays off when doing your homework. It's extremely helpful to know what you might hear when surfing Grey Line Propagaton or simply which band might be the best to use during a certain time of day or night. Beacons are another great tool. <a href="http://www.hfradio.org/" target="_blank">NW7US</a> writes many articles explaining propagation and routinely writes predictions for upcoming major contests. It's extremely easy to drop an email and ask for a sked but you might be surprised what you can work if you put in a little bit of research. Of course, there are many factors that effect modern day communications but the more you understand, the better your chances of success.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-RwBllW2tk/UyZFiMf2IbI/AAAAAAAAAcg/68BMNdMkJco/s1600/IC703PlusJT65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-RwBllW2tk/UyZFiMf2IbI/AAAAAAAAAcg/68BMNdMkJco/s1600/IC703PlusJT65.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JT65A & 15 Meters on Sunday, March 16th, 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And in speaking of success, I knew that 15 meters should yield some good propagation across the pond for my compromised setup. My setup is far different than what I had in Alaska. I'm currently running (on pretty much a regular basis) my <a href="http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/703/default.aspx" target="_blank">Icom IC-703Plus</a> at 5 watts or less to my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/debupa.html" target="_blank">Buddipole Deluxe</a> set up in our upstairs hallway. Because I'm running QRP and using an indoor antenna, it can be a struggle to find my next new <a href="http://www.arrl.org/dxcc" target="_blank">DXCC</a> entity or that new state. I'm currently working on QRP DXCC both on the CW and digital modes. It's tough at times but easily attainable. Running QRP requires lots of patience and I'll be the first to admit, I lack in that arena. But as mentioned earlier, homework and persistence will pay off so I know I'll be successful.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uD_ziBGRkk/UyZFjrdBV1I/AAAAAAAAAcs/WjlgIb7FfD4/s1600/20140316_170311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uD_ziBGRkk/UyZFjrdBV1I/AAAAAAAAAcs/WjlgIb7FfD4/s1600/20140316_170311.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor Buddipole Setup<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had a few inquiries in regards to my indoor buddipole configuration. The picture to the left gives a view of my Buddipole Deluxe as I routinely set it up in the upstairs hallway. Running QRP, it's crucial that the SWR is as low as possible as I want as many of those few watts to make it to the antenna as I can get. It also helps that the antenna is on the second story so it's approximately 20-25 feet above the ground. Still far from anything great but as you can see, you don't need much to get on the air. As I've mentioned before, after running beam antenna's and power over several years, this has been a humbling experience for me. I set up the Buddipole using the suggested configuration (depending on band) and normally it will get me in the ballpark, even indoors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now, this is my station but I'm thankful to be able to get on the air. I'm not sure when and if I will ever have a full station with exterior hardware on the air but as hams have proven over the years, where there is a will, there is a way. In the mean time, I'll continue to surf the propagational wave of DX in hopes of landing that next new one bringing me closer to that very meaningful certificate I hope to collect. Just like the lottery, you can't win unless you play. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-92007220296482504982014-03-02T18:10:00.000-05:002014-03-02T18:10:40.155-05:00JT65A<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnBbV9za8fM/UxOz-Ch9QGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Wyt6SIfwK3U/s1600/AK2MAJT65HF.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnBbV9za8fM/UxOz-Ch9QGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Wyt6SIfwK3U/s1600/AK2MAJT65HF.bmp" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JT65A QSO</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Managed my first JT65 QSO on HF this morning with K4EIT. I called CQ and he came back to my 5 watt yell. In running <a href="http://hflink.com/jt65/" target="_blank">JT65</a>, I now remember the headache I had with my Mini Dell. The Mini has one comm port, 3. That does not allow me to use <a href="http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/" target="_blank">Ham Radio Deluxe</a> (HRD) to feed the frequency information to <a href="http://jt65-hf.com/downloads/" target="_blank">JT65HF</a>. If JT65HF is the only program running, I can send and receive just fine. But, I'm missing out on importing the band and frequency data from HRD. I've messed around with virtual comm ports with no success. My only other option, if I want to use this computer exclusively for this, is possibly looking at <a href="http://www.tigertronics.com/" target="_blank">Signal Link Audio Sound Card Interface</a> which may allow me to do digital with one fewer comm ports needed. Either way, I need to work on this as time allows. Or, just upgrade to a real laptop. I prefer the second actually. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took me a bit to figure out how to dial down the ALC and Mic Gain to near nothing on the Icom IC-703+. I have them both at their lowest settings so now I just need to get on, see what reports I get and then look at <a href="http://hamspots.net/" target="_blank">Hamspots</a> to see who is hearing me and how strong. That's the great thing about modern technology, you can check sites like <a href="http://www.reversebeacon.net/srch.php" target="_blank">Reverse Beacon Network</a> (RBN) when running CW or Hamspots when running digital and it gives you a great summary of how well your signal is being heard hundreds and even thousands of miles away. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-68102142762361003732014-03-01T20:09:00.001-05:002014-03-01T20:09:34.253-05:00Interface Cable Located! Now the Fun Begins.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS-NQvt44Ko/UxJ6E6b-9RI/AAAAAAAAAbY/fMOfe9wOYdM/s1600/PSKReporter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS-NQvt44Ko/UxJ6E6b-9RI/AAAAAAAAAbY/fMOfe9wOYdM/s1600/PSKReporter.bmp" height="159" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Night of PSK31 on Indoor Buddipole & IC703+</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving is never fun and it just so happens that things get lost or misplaced. I opened up our travel trailer today to see if I could locate my Icom interface cable that I used with my IC-703+. I came up empty but I did get a few things out that I needed. I was bound and determined to hunt it down. I knew it could not be far but I was concerned as I had opened up and unboxed all shack contents. I checked and double checked in several mothballed equipment boxes but nothing. I was stumped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It just so happens that I carry my Icom IC-703+ and related equipment in a small, deep plastic pistol case. A cheap Walmart knockoff of the Pelican cases made by <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-2-Pistol-Case/17284289" target="_blank">Plano</a>. I checked my case a few times with no success. I decided to pull everything out of it today and whaa-laa! I found it in the very bottom of the case underneath the foam padding. I figured I had it close but I was just not looking in the right place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got everything hooked up and decided to run a bit of JT65, however my clock was always off by more than 8 seconds! Normally such issues were caused when I would utilize Google Chrome or browsed in the background. Since this timing issue was normally indicative of browser use, I closed down everything except JT65 and of course, <a href="http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/" target="_blank">Dimension4</a>, for the clock sync. Still it would always be 8 seconds off so needless to say, I was not decoding anything. I had it working just fine in Alaska, so something had to of changed. I decided to run PSK31 instead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had my Buddipole tuned for 10 meters but I parked on 20 meters in receive only mode for PSK31. I was using <a href="http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/" target="_blank">HRD</a>'s <a href="http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6979" target="_blank">DM780</a> to decode and upload the spots or my reception reports. The map above is what I was hearing on 20 meters today on my indoor antenna. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had posted a tweet regarding my clock issues and thankfully Karen, W4KRN reminded me that the program needed to be run as an Administrator in Windows 7. Sometime during one of my numerous Windows updates (I normally shut off updates on ham computers as updates lead to more hair pulling and heartburn than what they are worth) something must have changed. I checked and sure enough, it was not running as Administrator so once I checked that box, things were back to where they were before I departed the 49th. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw_B-sWDiRs/UxKBqp8txYI/AAAAAAAAAbo/XTUkMw_OSPs/s1600/PSK31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw_B-sWDiRs/UxKBqp8txYI/AAAAAAAAAbo/XTUkMw_OSPs/s1600/PSK31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IC703+ Connected to Mini Dell running DM780</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm excited for this interface cable find as running QRP I can start taking advantage of some of the weak signal software to gain some new countries and states on the bands. The small screen on my Mini Dell can be an issue with some programs but JT65 has a small GUI version built right in, so it does a great job. DM780 can be a challenge but I'm hoping to grab some more software and start playing. I will be running <a href="http://wsprnet.org/drupal/" target="_blank">WSPR</a> on weekend nights in receive only mode just to get a grip on propagation in these parts. There is a new JT mode I want to try as well. While many are participating in the SSB contest this weekend, I will be playing around on the digital modes getting things set up. From HELL to RTTY, I'll be stalking digital signals and possibly working a few, too. </span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-77488398262641172112014-02-26T20:37:00.005-05:002014-02-26T20:37:56.281-05:00Again - DXCC and Waving the Propagational White Flag of SKS Failure<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rywMS4lt4fU/Uw6NtsSNhFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/MTybohNwYUg/s1600/LOTW+DXCC.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rywMS4lt4fU/Uw6NtsSNhFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/MTybohNwYUg/s1600/LOTW+DXCC.bmp" height="320" width="105" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current Confirmed LOTW DXCC Totals</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently logged in and took a peek at my <a href="http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world" target="_blank">Log Book of the World</a> (LOTW) standings, more specifically my DXCC award. I currently have 43 entities (see left) applied toward this award so I have a ways go to. To date, I've made a total of 471 QSO's with my new call, with the majority of those QSO's being stateside contacts. Since we are still in the heart of contest season, my goal is to enter more CW contests taking advantage of the busy contest weekends to search out new DXCC entities. I want to continue my quest for QRP DXCC as well and I'm off to a fair start. My LOTW <a href="http://www.arrl.org/was" target="_blank">Worked All States</a> (WAS) total is not quite as good as I only have 38 states confirmed to date. I think it's common knowledge that digital operators tend to use LOTW more, so once I get on the digital modes again, I hope to start adding digital confirmations to both awards rather quickly. I have no desire to do much SSB and probably the bulk of my SSB contacts will be on 6 or 2 meters during future band openings. As I age, I enjoy my microphone as much as I'm beginning to enjoy winter. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHErSJMjxWo/Uw6NtvuvJPI/AAAAAAAAAaE/jdlXRWonBDU/s1600/Kitchen+Radios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHErSJMjxWo/Uw6NtvuvJPI/AAAAAAAAAaE/jdlXRWonBDU/s1600/Kitchen+Radios.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moved a few feet - weekend photo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided it was time for my temporary shack to find a place other than the kitchen table. So, I grabbed some TV trays and placed my shack in the kitchen near the table. Here is my current set-up. For casual operating this will work but I will have to do a bit of rearranging if I want to work a contest. I also have my daughters old computer desk that used to be home to the APRS computer which was located in my garage when we lived in Alaska. I think once spring gets here and I can dig it out of storage, I will set it up with my equipment. It's small and has wheels so it can easily be relocated if necessary. The FT857D will eventually be installed in our trailer and my home station will then consist of my Icom IC-703+ and my Icom IC-706MIIG. I will drag my 703+ out with me on portable operations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SKCC's <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/sprint/sks/" target="_blank">Straight Key Sprint</a> was last night and I opted to stick to 40 meters as it appeared to be the only band I could hear much on. I began with QRP and that just did not work. I was forced to change rigs and fire up the 857D and increased the power up to 40-45 watts. I CQ'd for several minutes on a few frequencies with no luck. I struggled with the QSO's that I did make. After a whopping 3 QSO's, I ended my painful pursuit of <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/" target="_blank">SKCC</a> QSO's. Running an indoor antenna, especially on 40 meters, can be trying at times. 40 meters was noisy and although I could hear a few stations very well, it appeared as if the just could not hear me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This coming weekend is the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx" target="_blank">ARRL DX International SSB</a> Contest. Me, I have no desire to operate this mode especially with my current set up. I will probably stick close to the QRP frequencies searching out a few contacts. As the weather begins to warm up in a few weeks I will have the itch to get the Harley out of storage. Radio will then compete with my two wheeled adventures but my hopes are to combine the two this summer on a few of our riding off the beaten path adventures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-36497779093828733782014-02-17T18:17:00.000-05:002014-02-18T08:11:43.835-05:002014 ARRL DX Contest. What a Difference 3,250 Miles (Over 5,000 Road Miles) & 95 Watts Make! <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky8fMKpmQ6Q/UwIhCmAo_eI/AAAAAAAAAYc/hO5zaI7jLRc/s1600/ARRL+DX+Effect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky8fMKpmQ6Q/UwIhCmAo_eI/AAAAAAAAAYc/hO5zaI7jLRc/s1600/ARRL+DX+Effect.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARRL CW DX Contest 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend was the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx" target="_blank">ARRL DX Contest</a>, CW version. This contest has always been one my my most favorites, second only to the <a href="http://www.cqww.com/" target="_blank">CQ World Wide DX</a> Contests. The ARRL DX Contest has stateside stations looking for DX and DX stations looking for stateside stations. I decided on Friday to make my first limited QRP effort in this contest. I knew that my weekend schedule would not accommodate more than a part time effort but I wanted to take the plunge. Since I was going to be running my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/debupa.html" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> antenna indoors, I wanted to just concentrate on a single band effort. This way, I could tune the antenna and leave it for the remainder of the weekend.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting it Close</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I set up my antenna on late Friday night. When it's set up, it resides in our upstairs hallway. Not the best setup but since it's winter, I have no desire to put it outdoors. Besides, this seems to work pretty well considering. I was able to get the Buddipole SWR actually flat! I found that when I rechecked my match on Sunday morning, things were very different. It may be been bumped by another household occupant so I had re-tune Sunday morning. I was able to get it down to what you see in the photo to the right. I could not imagine trying to tune any antenna without a good meter. Matter of fact, I'm in the market for a smaller, portable meter to use in the field. I like my MFJ but it uses plenty of batteries and it's not the smallest to tote around. Since I will be doing more /P operating down here, I want something backpack friendly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I landed on 15 meters ready for my Search & Pounce (S&P) effort just before 1700z on Saturday. I found the band to be in great shape. Such good shape, I started the contest at 1 watt output from my IC-703+. It was great hearing so many European stations so darn strong! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I began at the bottom of the band and slowly worked my way up.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Search & Pounce QRP Style</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was obvious the band was loaded and many of the stations had pile-ups, which is typical during the first part of the contest, I opted to bump my power up to the full 5 watts after my first 10 or 15 QSO's. On a quiet band, my 1 watt may have worked but with the crowd, I was easily pushed to the sidelines and not heard. As I encountered many a new country, I had to make a mental note and tell myself that many of them would have to wait until Sunday. As I slowly worked my VFO up and down the band, my contest log began to slowly add points with a bump in the score adding the occasional multiplier. I wanted to document a bit of my QRP activities so I kept the Samsung S4 handy for a few videos. Below is the video I shot of me working F6KNB with my rig set at 1 watt. I worked F6KNB approximately about 5 QSO's into the contest (for me).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">QRP is bittersweet. It's often a struggle for both the station running QRP and then for the receiving station. Some who are in contest mode won't take the time to work with a QRP signal meaning any more than one repeat, they are moving on. It's a contest, so expect a level of aggression. Since I enjoy QRP, I always made sure I would listen for the little guy when I ran as KL8DX. Now mind you, in a large pile-up, you take the loudest first and work your way down the calling list. But there are those times when timing is everything! Yes, it's possible to sneak that weak call in between BIG stations calling and be heard. A good operator will take the time to make sure they get the call and exchange correct. I have to hand it to SN5X (and several others, but I only got a few on video) for taking the time work me and get our exchange right. The video below is of me working SN5X on ½ watt!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-UqDK3yDPI/UwKImPeeADI/AAAAAAAAAZM/D5Qwd4vSW18/s1600/Tunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-UqDK3yDPI/UwKImPeeADI/AAAAAAAAAZM/D5Qwd4vSW18/s1600/Tunes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the VFO up the Band</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the afternoon progressed on Saturday, I worked the contest until around a bit after 7 pm local, or midnight UTC time. I threw in the towel until the following morning due to those "other" obligations that tend to arise over contest weekends. By the time Saturday came to an end for me, I had worked roughly 48 stations. Again, to the average ham, that's obtainable in the first sixteen minutes at 3 QSO's per minute. But I was a happy ham due to the fact that as the propagation swung west from Europe, I worked several Central & South America stations not to mention those enjoying their winter getaway down in the Caribbean. But the highlight for me on Saturday evening was working JF1NHD and KL7RA.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KL7RA has a great station and I knew that if I was going to hear an Alaskan station in this contest, it would surly be Rich's station. I captured the next video showing how strong Rich's station was here both on Saturday night and on Sunday as well.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So again, my Saturday ended on a pretty positive note. I was hoping that Sunday would see the same great propagation allowing me many more QSO's. </span></center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHIId6iGMfk/UwKOPZgUsDI/AAAAAAAAAZc/CYwrwBLQT5M/s1600/Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHIId6iGMfk/UwKOPZgUsDI/AAAAAAAAAZc/CYwrwBLQT5M/s1600/Snow.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Winter in New England. More on the way!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned earlier, New England has seen a pretty snowy winter. I'm actually enjoying working outside doing my snow relocation activities and it's well above zero! I loved Alaska but plowing and shoveling snow at -30F can be a bit rough at times. So for me, this winter has been easy. Now, we have received more snow here this winter than we would normally see at Denali. Our snow in Alaska was normally very dry and light but this snow, especially this last storm dump, had some weight to it. Anyhow, a large part of my weekend duties was clearing the driveway, walks, decks and of course the beagle roaming area. We have a 14½ year old beagle and when there is more than a few inches of snow, I plow a large spot in the yard just for her. I'm sure she is also enjoying the warmer temperatures as well, especially since she has to do her business outside. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting back on track, Sunday turned out to be great on 15 meters as well. I was back on the air shortly after 1100 UTC once again working my way up and down the band. On Sunday, I heard contest stations working as high as 21.138! I had several stations which were strong but I could just never get their attention. In one case, I was trying to work E7DX and I apparently had a little helper. You know the station, the DX station was trying to confirm my call and for what ever reason, he was having problems copying it. It was either due to my low power or adjacent QRM. Either way, I heard another station telling him what my call was! It was either a impatient station wanting to get me out of the way so they could work E7DX or someone who felt they were doing the right thing, which they weren't. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time it was all said and done, I made 150 QSO's and worked 57 countries (entities). I used N3FJP's software which gave me a nice overview of my country breakout -</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">AK2MA's Contest Summary Report for ARRL-DX</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Created by N3FJP's ARRL International DX Contest Log</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Version 3.4 www.n3fjp.com</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Contacts = 150</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Points = 25,650</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Operating Period: 2014/02/15 16:53 - 2014/02/16 23:28</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Contacts by Band and Mode:</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Band CW Phone Dig Total %</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 15 150 0 0 150 100</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total 150 0 0 150 100</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Contacts by State \ Prov:</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> State Total %</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 147 98</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> HI 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> AK 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Contacts by Country:</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Country Total %</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Federal Republic of Germany 14 9</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Italy 12 8</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Poland 10 7</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Croatia 7 5</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Czech Republic 7 5</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Spain 7 5</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Serbia 6 4</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Slovenia 6 4</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> France 5 3</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> England 4 3</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Hungary 4 3</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Aruba 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Brazil 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Finland 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Netherlands 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Ukraine 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> US Virgin Is. 3 2</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Belgium 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Canary Is. 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Estonia 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> European Russia 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Hawaii 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Japan 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Slovak Republic 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Switzerland 2 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Alaska 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Antigua & Barbuda 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Argentina 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Asiatic Russia 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Austria 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Bahamas 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Balearic Is. 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Belarus 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Bermuda 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Bulgaria 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Cayman Is. 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Colombia 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Costa Rica 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Curacao 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> El Salvador 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Grenada 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Jamaica 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Kazakhstan 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Latvia 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Lithuania 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Luxembourg 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Madeira Is. 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Morocco 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Nicaragua 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Portugal 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Puerto Rico 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Saba & St. Eustatius 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Scotland 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Sweden 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Turks & Caicos Is. 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Uruguay 1 1</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Total Contacts by Continent:</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Continent Total %</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> EU 114 76</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> NA 16 11</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> SA 10 7</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> AF 4 3</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> AS 4 3</span></center>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> OC 2 1</span></center>
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My goal is to submit for the <a href="http://www.qrparci.org/" target="_blank">QRP ARCI</a>'s <a href="http://www.qrparci.org/awards" target="_blank">1,000 Mile Per Watt Award</a>. Going into this contest, that was going to be one of my main goals. Without plugging in the numbers, I think my QSO with SN5X or IR4M would be in the area of 8,000 Miles Per Watt. Several of the stations I worked with 1 watt would also easily qualify, too. </div>
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I uploaded a few more videos to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5toocyTW6OmAW4d6m-xuTA/feed" target="_blank">YouTube</a> page and one highlights the coax run from the QRP kitchen set up to the Buddipole antenna in the upstairs hallway. We are still organizing so the clutter will hopefully be short lived. The coax runs from the kitchen, through our living room and up the stairs into the hallway where my Buddipole was standing proudly. </div>
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I posted my first <a href="http://www.3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=8naPz9ffqismW" target="_blank">3830 summary</a> with this contest. I've sent my log in to the ARRL but still need to upload it to <a href="http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world" target="_blank">LOTW</a> after importing it into my regular logbook. I'm hopeful many will be confirmed electronically. Any that are awaiting confirmation on eQSL will be confirmed on my next log in. </div>
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All in all, it was a humbling experience being on this end of the pileup. Lots of great operators / stations and I had a blast. The only thing that would have made it better was being able to use my Mosley TA-34-XL for the high bands. I would have surely ventured off of 15 meters as I see on 3830 that the propagation on 10 meters was pretty good as well. Hopefully I did not bust many callsigns and there were a few questionable contacts so I opted to not put them in the log. If I did not hear the confirmation that my information was received, I did not log it. The only problem I had was several missed the "A" in my callsign and heard me as K2MA. As always, I attempted to correct the DX station and I think only a couple may have been too busy to correct it. </div>
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As far as the weather is concerned, we are under another Winter Storm Warning for Tuesday. Seems another 4-6" of fresh snow headed to my QTH. Thankfully, I still enjoy winter so it's no big deal. That added to a bit of QRN as our transformer was busy causing me interference with the snow and wind that we encountered this past weekend. With my indoor antenna, I no longer have to worry about Mother Nature, just the other occupants of our residence. As for the family beagle, she spends most of her day sleeping so she is no threat to the indoor antenna. Other than the occasional walk by, contest weekends to her are something she is used to. She knows all to often that I won't finish anything I'm nibbling on so she gets what I don't finish. The photo below is of our beagle since I switched to drinking decaf.<br />
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4101143255439803101.post-11445168254262643932014-02-09T21:23:00.000-05:002014-02-09T21:23:03.921-05:00SKCC's February Weekend Sprint-a-thon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPzQuFRmUfo/UvgocsOMpYI/AAAAAAAAAW4/jp58ZVqMZKA/s1600/Stacked2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPzQuFRmUfo/UvgocsOMpYI/AAAAAAAAAW4/jp58ZVqMZKA/s1600/Stacked2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacked </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend was the <a href="http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/" target="_blank">SKCC February Weekend Sprintathon</a> (WES). I know the bands were busy with RTTY and had I still lived in Alaska, I would have been diddling my way across the bands in another low power RTTY effort. Ironically, I just received some RTTY wallpaper and wrote about it on my <a href="http://kl8dx.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-arrl-rtty-roundup-2013-results-for.html" target="_blank">KL8DX blog</a>. But since I have no way of running RTTY here yet, I decided that any free time I had was going to be directed toward working CW with my straight key.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I began Saturday with only my Yaesu FT-857D. When Sunday rolled around, I decided to pull the Icom IC-703Plus out of the portable box and set it up. I had the power output set for 1 watt. I have a 3 position antenna switch which I use to switch between the rigs. It's an eBay special so the isolation stinks, but it works as it's a quick and easy way for me to switch between rigs. The Yaesu allows me to dial down to 5 watts, however I find the need to go even lower from time to time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting back to the WES, I found that my indoor set up was hearing best on 15 meters. Since I use my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/" target="_blank">Buddipole</a> antenna indoors, I normally will set it up for 40 meters first and then tune around on the different bands. Once I find the band with the most activity, I will re-tune the antenna for that band. Needless to say, there is no quick band switching for me. I started off Saturday on 40 meters, briefly went to 20 meters for just a few contacts and then headed to 15 meters where most of my weekend activity took place. I enjoy the high bands because when the bands are open, I can easily work thousands of miles away. I know that 15 was in great shape for me and my puny setup so there is no doubt it had to be good for those who had outdoor antenna's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With shopping on Saturday morning / afternoon and my normal weekend duties to complete on Sunday, I did not have lots of time to devote to the key but I was able to log 57 straight key QSO's. I worked a handful of European stations on Sunday morning on 15 meters. It was great to finally run into several stations that I've not worked since I pulled the plug in Alaska. The weekend highlight was working my buddy Martin, W3MLK and then toward the end of the contest, working Karen, W4KRN. Pete, N1ABS welcomed me to the neighborhood and by the time the WES was over, I added a few new SKCC numbers to the logbook, too. I wrapped up my effort on 40 meters, the same band I started. My last QSO was with Dan, W9DLN for a WI multiplier. Not band considering and my longest QSO on 40 meters for the weekend. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gKkiOlA2gc/Uvg080uOrDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/-XqICco8b40/s1600/857D+framecall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gKkiOlA2gc/Uvg080uOrDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/-XqICco8b40/s1600/857D+framecall.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CW, The KEY to Success</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss my 4 elements and my Icom IC-756PRO, which I could pull out of the box however, I'm enjoying my portable set up for now. I do miss working JT65, PSK31 and the other digital modes! I wish I could find my interface cable for my Icom! I'm also not able to find my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/cemuch.html" target="_blank">Cellpro battery charger</a> so that I can charge my <a href="http://www.buddipole.com/4sa1bapa1.html" target="_blank">A123 portable batteries</a>. Until I can get them charged, I won't be operating /p anytime soon. But for now, I'm just happy being able to get on the air from time to time and having the success that I do. I worked 35 different SPC's (States, Provinces or Countries) this weekend so for me, CW was my KEY to DX success! </span></div>
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This Winding Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13624488303309270352noreply@blogger.com2