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    • IARU Region 2 Bandplan

      IARU Region 2 Bandplan

      K3MRI posted a link in Bands & Frequencies,

      The three IARU regional organizations develop band plans to offer guidance to radio amateurs on how the different operating interests and modes of emission can be best accommodated in the limited spectrum available. Observing band plans is good amateur operating practice. In most cases observance is voluntary although some administrations incorporate the band plan for their egion into national regulations. Also, many contest sponsors require that competitors adhere to band plans.

      To the extent possible, the IARU R2 band plan is harmonized this with those of the other regions. It is suggested that Member Societies, in coordination with the authorities, incorporate it in their regulations and promote it widely with their radio amateur communities. Of course, if a band plan conflicts with national regulations the national regulations must be observed.
      • 0 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Who is this Roger guy? And why do we keep talking about him?

      Who is this Roger guy? And why do we keep talking about him?

      NS7X posted a topic in Voice analog,

      Back in the olden days, when sparks flew across gaps, a successful radio communication was a pretty tough thing to accomplish.  Morse code operators soon realized that abbreviated transmissions were key (pun intended).  So, in order to acknowledge successful receipt of a transmission, the receiving station would send "RECEIVED," letting the sending station know that things were working well.  "RECEIVED" was cumbersome so it was shortened to "RCVD," which still seemed clunky so it was shortened to"R."

      When the microphone was invented, and telephony developed, it became obvious early on that many letters sounded the same on the air, so a phonetic alphabet was invented to make clear which letter was being used.   The phonetic alphabet in use was based on male names and "Roger" was the term for the letter "R."  So, "Roger" became synonymous with "I acknowledge receipt of your last transmission."

      By the way, notice that "R" (Roger) does not mean "Yes."  It is not an assent, nor does it mean, "I concur."  It is not an answer to a question.  In other words, you should never, ever hear a ham say, "Roger, roger.  I did not copy your name.  Please repeat."

      Eventually, the phonetic alphabet changed to the one we use today, but the term "Roger" was so ingrained that it stuck.  And that, I think, is a good thing.  Somehow, hearing a ham say, "Romeo that, and thank you for the contact" just doesn't seem right.  
        • Funny
      • 1 reply
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Southgate Amateur Radio News

      Southgate Amateur Radio News

      K3MRI posted a link in Publications and information websites,

      A premier, global amateur radio news website with daily updates. A must bookmark.
      • 0 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Country callsigns

      Country callsigns

      K3MRI posted a quiz in Just for fun,

      Want to have some fun? Try this easy quiz...
      • 0 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • It's Time to Pay the Piper

      It's Time to Pay the Piper

      NS7X posted a topic in Studying & licensing,

      Or at least, the FCC.

      After nearly 50 years of not collecting fees, and now that the licensing system is automated, and now the FCC no longer has to pay for examiners, and now that the FCC incurs very little expense to oversee the Amateur Radio Service, it's decided it needs to collect a $35 license fee.  

      I suppose I'm not surprised, but I am concerned.  You see, radio frequencies are a commodity and hams have enjoyed a free ride because the FCC has valued our contributions to public service and the research and development of new technologies.  But now, apparently, its attitude has changed.

      Thirty-five bucks for a ten year license is  not that big a deal for most of us.  Yet what is the likelihood that, in a few years, it becomes $35/10year/band usage?  For those of us who only operate on one or two bands, that'd probably still be no big deal.  But I'm just wondering how such a slippery slope could affect Amateur Radio.

      You can read Part 97 in its entirety and never find the word "hobby."  We are a service - the FCC defines us as such.  Perhaps we should remind the Commission of that fact.
      • 1 reply
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Can you connect different types of coax?

      Can you connect different types of coax?

      KJ4ZFJ posted a question in Ask the Elmers,

      Are there any issues in joining two different types of coax (RG-8X and RG-213) to complete a feedline from antenna to radio?  I would assume that the losses would be impacted to somewhere between the characteristics of the two, but this is just my 'logic'.  Thanks!
      • 2 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • The Bright Future of Ham Radio, Thanks to CW

      The Bright Future of Ham Radio, Thanks to CW

      NS7X posted a topic in CW,

      Like many hams, I really enjoy participating in amateur radio demonstrations at public events.  For example, here in New Mexico the High Desert ARC sets up a booth at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a ten day long event which attracts about a million people each year, BC.  (BC? That would be Before COVID). 
      The HDARC members set up a working station, replete with interesting displays, appropriate informational pamphlets, and friendly hams anxious to share their knowledge with visitors.  I show up with a straight key, a keyer, and my Begali paddles. 

      We attract some interested folks, and about as many vacationing hams who like to grab a quick eyeball QSO.  Occasionally there'll be a visitor who "always wanted to get into ham radio, but never seemed to find the time" who signs the Wants More Information sheet.  Me? I always seem to have a short line of short people - children with a definite enthusiasm and curiosity about the sounds of dits and dahs my keyer is emitting.

      "This is an archaic way people used to communicate," their mis-informed but well-meaning parent inevitably explains.  "It's called Morse code."

      I smile at the child, and ask, "Would you like to hear what your name sounds like in Morse code?"

      "Oh, yes!  Please!" the child answers.  Before you know it, the youngster is learning a few letters, and trying out their own fist at the paddles and/or straight key.  The proud parent is impressed with their kids natural ability.  I can understand that because many of them sure seem to take to CW.  And I think I know why.  These kids are growing up texting.  Texting is a completely normal way to communicate.  To them, Morse is just a new way to text.  It's "texting you can hear."  Those children who continue with an interest in CW may find their way to getting a license and then the whole, wide world of amateur radio will open up to them.  All thanks to a few dits and some dahs. 

      I guess you could say my anecdotal experience has shown me that if you want to increase youth participation in modern amateur radio, try introducing them to the archaic digital mode of Morse code. 
       

       
        • Agree | Support
      • 5 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Hamrs

      Hamrs

      HC/STAFF posted a link in Logging,

      There is not much to say about this app other than its description is a reflection of its intended simplicity. From their website:

      A simple, portable logger. Customized for POTA with other templates coming soon!

      Note that they currently have four OS versions: macOS, Windows, Ubuntu and Raspbian.

      This is a further link to their support community: https://community.hamrs.app
      • 0 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • Self-deploy?

      Self-deploy?

      K3MRI posted a topic in Emergency communications,

      For years, different emergency responders have self-deployed. First doctors and nurses did it during the African famines of the seventies. Cajun Navy has done so more recently during many floods in the U.S. I'm wondering what you all think about the notion of self-deployment among hams? Authorities do not want us to self deploy. Ask anyone at Homeland, ARRL/ARES, Red Cross and they will always tell you the same thing, that we are undisciplined and that self-deployment is dangerous. I won't take sides for now, I'll just let the debate take its course.
      • 22 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
    • ARRL Virginia Section Convention

      ARRL Virginia Section Convention

      WA8AHZ posted a calendar event in VWS Calendar,

      This is a VWS sponsored event.  The 3 track program can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/VaSecConvSchedule
      • 0 replies
      K3MRI

      Picked By

      K3MRI,
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Forums

  1. CONNECT BY STAGE

    1. Studying & licensing

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

      45
      posts

    2. Deciding & buying

      Buying the right gear from the right place is never easy, ask away.

      67
      posts

    3. Installing equipment

      Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not.

      47
      posts

    4. Operating

      This is where it gets exciting; it's a world of endless possibilities.

      59
      posts

    5. Contesting

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

      14
      posts

    6. DIY - From scratch and kits

      From the smallest kit to the largest transceiver... we love building

      8
      posts

  2. THE ELMERS' CIRCLE

    1. Ask the Elmers

      The Community is fortunate to have Experts and Elmers who can help out. You can post your question here. If it is accepted, Elmers will intervene.

      9
      posts

  3. CONNECT BY MANUFACTURER

    1. Let's talk transceivers

      • No posts here yet

    2. Let's talk some more

      • No posts here yet

  4. CONNECT BY SPECIAL INTEREST

    1. Emergency communications

      From preparedness to deployment

      76
      posts

    2. Public Service Events

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

      20
      posts

    3. Repeaters

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

      9
      posts

    4. Electronics & electromagnetism

      For those interested in the fundamentals of amateur radio

      4
      posts

    5. Nets

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

      19
      posts

    6. Nostalgia & History

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

      17
      posts

    7. Research & development

      Scientific research and laboratory and field testing

      6
      posts

    8. Scanning & Short Wave Listening

      Anything to do with scanners or shortwave reception activities

      1
      post

    9. FCC, ITU, IARU and official policy discussions

      Discussions related to the U.S. FCC or to international and national regulatory bodies and policies around the world

      7
      posts

    10. Organizing an event

      Discussions about organizing events, DXpeditions, contests

      3
      posts

    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.

      3
      posts

    12. Activations

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

      12
      posts

  5. EVERYTHING ELSE

    1. Ham topics in general

      55
      posts

    2. Great QSOs

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

      9
      posts

    3. Post your videos

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

      6
      posts

    4. Self-promotion

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

      5
      posts

    5. First QSO

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

      695
      posts

    6. Non-ham topics in general

      47
      posts

    7. Ham Community Q&A

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

      2
      posts

    8. Ham Census Q&A

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

      7
      posts

  6. CONNECT BY GEOGRAPHY

    1. USA: STATES & TERRITORIES

      These state-based forums are to discuss with other state residents or for non-residents to discuss a state-related topic.

      21
      posts

    2. CANADA: PROVINCES & TERRITORIES

      4
      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. LARGE METROPOLITAN AREAS

      12
      posts
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