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  • Our picks

    • Fast Track Ham Education
      Michael Burnette, AF7KB, started playing with radios at age 8 when he found some plans in a comic book for a crystal radio made from little more than a rusty razor blade, a safety pin, and a coil wound around the cardboard tube from the inside of a roll of toilet paper. The silly thing worked, and he was hooked. As a commercial broadcaster for 25 years, he did a bit of everything from being a D to serving as a vice president and general manager with Westinghouse Broadcasting (now CBS/Infinity.) By 1989 he owned his own stations in Bend, Oregon, which afforded him abundant opportunities to repair those stations, often in the middle of the night in a snowstorm. In 1992, Burnette left the radio business behind, and took to traveling the world designing and delivering experiential learning seminars on leadership, management, communications, and building relationships. He has trained people across the US and in Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Finland, Greece, Austria, Spain, Italy, and Russia. In addition to his public and corporate trainings, he has been a National Ski Patroller, a Certified Professional Ski Instructor, a Certified In - Line Skating Instructor, a Certified NLP Master Practitioner, a big-rig driving instructor, and a Certified Firewalking Instructor.

      Kerry Burnette, KC7YL, was the original inspiration for the first Fast Track license course, which started as a set of notes for her to use preparing for her Technician exam. A graduate of the University of Washington, Kerry spent a decade teaching high school math and science and holds a Masters of Education degree.
      • 0 replies
    • What are your thoughts on N1MM?
      N1MM, as we all know, is well-regarded by many amateur radio operators for its extensive features, ease of use, and frequent updates. It is particularly popular among contesters and DXers. The software is free to use, which is another reason for its wide adoption.

      Some of the positive aspects people appreciate about N1MM Logger include:

      1. Extensive feature set: N1MM Logger supports a wide range of contest types and radio protocols. It provides an array of tools and functions for logging, tracking, and analyzing contacts.
      2. Customization: The software is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their needs and preferences.
      3. Active development and support: The developers are active in the community, providing regular updates and addressing user feedback. The user community is also a valuable resource for support and advice.
      4. Integration with other software: N1MM Logger can integrate with various other applications and services, such as CW skimmers, digital mode software, and online log submission platforms.

      However, some operators may find the software challenging to set up and configure, especially if they are new to amateur radio or contest logging. Additionally, since it is a Windows-based application, users who prefer other operating systems might have to use emulation software or search for alternative logging applications.

      Overall, N1MM Logger is widely considered a powerful and reliable logging application for amateur radio operators, though its ease of use and compatibility may vary depending on the user's experience and preferences.

      Currently, my field day team uses it, though I have used others in the past.

      What about you all, what are your thoughts on N1MM?
      • 1 reply
    • Starting out
      I initially thought that GMRS was what I wanted so I obtained a GMRS license. I’M A VERITABLE NEWB here. The prospect of being able to communicate around the world however - is appealing. I have a couple of questions that maybe the group might be able to answer…

      1. What is the HAM radio called on the FCC dropdown list and is the FCC who administers the Amateur test? 

      2. I’m looking mainly to make sure I have a communications device in my home that allows me to communicate with my kids & family off of traditional devices (incase they’re ever not working). As well as to obtain reliable news from around the world that doesn’t make it to mainstream channels. Is HAM a good way not only to connect with a cool network around the world (and with your own family internally) - but also to stay tuned into events around the world?

      3. Why/how did you get involved with HAM radio? What do you love about it?

      4. Around how much is the cost for a beginner (but well functioning) system? What should I expect to invest on the front end?

      Nice to meet everyone and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
      • 8 replies
    • Secrets to a great ragchew net?
      I've always wondered what the secrets to a great ragchew net are. Net control gets on and calls for checkins... so what does it take to have a critical mass of operators and keep the net alive for years. Thoughts?
      • 13 replies
    • The first SSB TXC
      Does anyone remember Swan Engineering? For years I had one of their promotional brochures. I had found it in my dad’s stuff after he passed. Like an IDIOT, I threw it away when we downsized; that’s one item I wish I would have kept.

      Even more amazing would be if someone on Ham Community had actually seen one of those very early SSB transceivers. Incredibly, you can find one like the one in this photo for a couple of hundred dollars 🥸 Wow.
      • 3 replies
    • QSL Card Check @ WINTERFEST 2023
      QSL Card Checking, and information about the 4 Area incoming QSL Bureau are available at WINTERFEST 2023 at Oakton HS on Sunday, March 19th.
      For DXCC or WAS Card Checking follow the instructions found at: https://p1k.arrl.org/onlinedxcc/ or use the paper form found at: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/Application%20forms/DXCC_Application_Form_Nov_2022.pdf
      If you plan to bring QSL cards to check, fill out the record sheet found at: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/DXCC%20Record%20Sheet%202013a.pdf  prior to arriving at the Hamfest.
      The outdoor tailgating area opens at 7:00 am and the indoor market fair opens at 8:00 am.  The Hamfest closes at 2:00 pm.
      Purchase your admission/raffle tickets here: https://ticketstripe.com/VWS-WinterFest-2023  You do not need to be present to win the raffle. More info at https://viennawireless.net/wp/events/winterfest/ 
      • 0 replies
    • Seeking speaker for: Digital modes, antennas, contesting how to, baluns, ununs, kit building
      Third tuesday of the month
      • 0 replies
    • Manassas Tailgate
      Welcome to the Manassas Tailgate.  June 3rd Rain date of June 10th.  The Virginia QSO awards ceremony and certificates will be held here. 

      Website: https://w4ovh.net/welcome-to-manassas-hamfest/
      Email for information: wa2swxdm@gmail.com
      Club: Ole Virginia Hams
      On site testing?: No
      Conferences / Workshops?: Yes
      Flea market: Yes
      Indoor / Outdoor: Outdoor
      Cost: $5 person - or $20 to sell ( includes one admissin)
      Ham Community attending?: We will not be attending
      • 0 replies
    • New "ROVER" Category for 2023 Virginia QSO Party Explained
      The 2023 Virginia QSO Party Non-Fixed Station Categories–EXPLAINED
      Introducing the “Rover” Category (Experimental for 2023)

      The 2023 Virginia QSO Party on the weekend of 18-19 March 2023 is fast approaching. To ensure all our non-fixed station operators have equal contest opportunities, the Virginia QSO Party (VAQP) has added a “Rover” category for 2023. The VAQP committee wishes to recognize amateurs whose use of retractable antenna masts, non-mobile support structures, commercial power, or an external operating position would preclude traditional mobile classification. Descriptions of each category and a handy chart follow below.

      Whichever of the three non-fixed station categories you choose, stations should identify their callsign with /M (not Rover or Expedition) and operators contacting you must log you as /M to earn three points. For complete VAQP contest rules, go to ‪http://bit.ly/3Y14yXX

      Mobile – A station operating from a vehicle which is capable of operating while in motion and operates stationary in the same configuration. The mobile can travel and move at any time without having to disconnect any wiring or change any antennas. A mobile station is self-contained and is capable of legal motion while operating. Commercial power may not be used. Contacts may be made while moving or stopped.

      Rover (experimental for 2023) – A vehicle that is not a mobile or expedition station. The rover may make contacts while stationary and/or while moving. The rover may change equipment and deploy antenna configurations. The rover may operate from a vehicle and/or off a vehicle. The rover may or may not use commercial power.
      • 1 reply
    • Cape May Concrete Ship SS Atlantus POTA Activation K2AA AA2SD
      Thanks to all that contacted me today from Cape May Point in front of the concrete ship. It was a very cold and windy day, but I was able to activate all 4 bands 10, 15 ,20 and 40 Mtrs.  You can still see the remnants of the concrete ship, I took these photos this morning with a zoom lens from the beach, check out the You Tube of today. I used a vertical antenna with 4 radials on the ground and activated on 10-15-20 and 40 Mtrs...a fun day with Parks on the Air.

      Thanks to all with the help on the spotting pages, we successfully activated this park today!

      AA2SD
      Scott
      https://www.aa2sd.com/
        • Like | Congratulations
      • 2 replies
  • 7 Field Day preferences

    1. 1. Given the option to choose only one, which of these would you prefer to operate during Field Day?


      • Voice
      • CW
      • Digital
    2. 2. Given one choice, what time of day would you prefer operating during Field Day?


      • Morning
      • Day
      • Evening
      • Overnight
    3. 3. Given one choice, which size group do you prefer for Field Day?


      • Operate alone
      • Two to four operators in the group
      • Five to ten operators in the group
      • I like large groups
    4. 4. What best reflects your Field Day attitude?


      • Happy to participate
      • Aim to score high
    5. 5. Last question... on HF, would you rather...


      • Run a frequency
      • Search and pounce

  • Seven most recently updated posts

Discussion Forums

  1. CONNECT BY STAGE

    1. Studying & licensing

      No matter where you are studying or what license you're after, help is available.

      88
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    4. 208
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    5. Contesting

      General contesting discussions, not discussions about specific contests. Look in the calendar section for specific ones.

      87
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  2. CONNECT BY SPECIAL INTEREST

    1. Emergency communications

      From preparedness to deployment

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    2. Public service events

      All about working with, improving upon, or otherwise participating in public service events such as races, fairs, etc.

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    3. Repeaters

      Whether you manage or just use a repeater, this is a great place to ask others for advice, or to give some...

      14
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    4. Electronics & electromagnetism

      For those interested in the fundamentals of amateur radio

      9
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    5. Nets

      General discussions about local, traffic, weather, HF, etc. nets

      33
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    6. Nostalgia and history

      There was some good stuff happening in the good ol' days of Amateur Radio.

      62
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    8. Scanning and shortwave listening

      Anything to do with scanners or shortwave reception activities

      17
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    9. FCC, ITU, IARU and official policy discussions

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      8
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    10. Organizing an event

      Discussions about organizing events, DXpeditions, contests

      26
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    11. Planning an outing

      Are you looking for friends to go operate? Planning on a small field trip and there's room for more people? Ask away.

      6
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    12. Weather and climate

      Both the weather and the climate affect how we operate.

      4
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    13. Computing

      Whether comparing platforms or operating systems, choosing the right logging application, or offering debugging help, this is the right place to post.

      6
      posts
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    14. Activations

      For all those of us who love to climb, travel and otherwise activate the most amazing places

      26
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    15. Other services

      For discussion about major services in the radio spectrum.

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  3. HAMELMERS.ORG

    1. Ask the Elmers

      The Community is fortunate to have Experts and Elmers who can help out. You can post your question here for consideration.

      31
      posts
    2. Ask AI-4-HAM

      We have created a bridge to AI from within Ham Community. Do you have a question that you would like to ask of both AI & the Elmers? Ask it here.

      3
      posts
  4. HAM CENSUS

    1. Ham Census Q&A

      Questions about Ham Census, its content, its results, etc.

      17
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    2. Ham Census Findings Discussions

      Let's discuss answers given and data generated by Ham Census.

      2
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  5. EVERYTHING ELSE

    1. 197
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    2. Rumors

      Do you have a rumor about new gear, new regulations, new laws... feel free to post them here!

      3
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    3. Great QSOs

      Tell us about a great QSO you had just now, or even decades back. We'd love to hear all about it.

      10
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    4. Post your videos

      Embed your how-to, review, outings videos and let's discuss them.

      13
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    5. Self-promotion

      Did you write a book? Did you invent a new piece of gear?

      16
      posts
    6. First QSO

      Welcome new members. Ham Community is happy to have you.

      2.1k
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    7. 156
      posts
    8. Ham Community Q&A

      Questions you have about the community itself, its functionality, ideas you have...

      21
      posts
  6. CONNECT BY GEOGRAPHY

    1. 31
      posts
    2. 9
      posts
    3. COUNTRIES

      These country-based forums are to discuss with other residents or for non-residents to discuss a country-related topic. Not all countries are listed yet. If you would like a country to be listed, open a new support request here.

      4
      posts
    4. 12
      posts
  7. Club Forums

    1. Antenna Installation Club | Sponsored by Mastrant Discussions

      Open ended comments, general questions, ideas and suggestions for all things guying.

      1
      post
    2. Antenna Installation Club | Sponsored by Mastrant Mastrant questions

      Do you have a specific guying question, maybe a specific problem? This is the place to ask it. Responses will come from Mastrant staff, Ham Community Elmers and informed amateurs. Upon successful resolution, a site administrator or moderator will indicate the best answer received.

      2
      posts
    3. The 146.52 Club 146.52 Discussions

      Let's discuss ways in which we can promote the use of 146.52 MHz as an on-road frequency.

      1
      post
    4. 31
      posts
    5. 2
      posts
    6. 3
      posts
    7. QCWA Chapter 91 January meeting

      January 16th, 11:30 am on ZOOM. Presentation will be “EL SOL: The Impact on HF Radio Propagation” presented by Kerry Kingman - WB4BQM. 

      1
      post
    8. The ICOM Club ICOM Discussions

      Discussions focussed on ICOM products

      7
      posts
    9. The Yaesu Club Yaesu Discussions

      Discussions focussed on Yaesu products

      6
      posts
    10. The Kenwood Club Kenwood Discussions

      Discussions focussed on Kenwood products

      • No posts here yet
    11. The Elecraft Club Elecraft Discussions

      Discussions focussed on Elecraft products

      33
      posts
    12. The FlexRadio Club FlexRadio Discussions

      Discussions focussed on FlexRadio products

      • No posts here yet
    13. The Baofeng Club Baofeng Discussions

      Discussions focussed on Baofeng products

      5
      posts
    14. The Alinco Club Alinco Discussions

      Discussions focussed on Alinco products

      3
      posts
  • UTC

  • FIELD DAY 2023

    • Days
    • Hours
    • Minutes
    • Seconds

    During the fourth full weekend in June, the eyes of the amateur radio community turn towards the annual Field Day operating event. From its beginning back in the 1930’s as an event to test the field preparedness and emergency communications abilities of the burgeoning amateur radio community, Field Day has evolved into the largest on-the-air operation during the year. In 2022, entries were submitted by almost 5,000 clubs, groups and individuals from across the US and Canada. These logs showed participation by nearly 30,000 individuals and almost over 1.2 million contacts were reported during the brief 24-hours of the event.

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    Ham Community has decided to abandon the use of advertisers. Instead, we are fortunate to be supported by our members' generosity and selected sponsors who expect nothing from us other than to genuinely serve the amateur radio community. We admit, it feels good!

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