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Our picks
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Fast Track Ham Education
K3MRI posted a link in 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
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What are your thoughts on N1MM?
K3MRI posted a topic in Software,
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
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Starting out
Tiff81 posted a topic in Learning,
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
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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
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The first SSB TXC
K3MRI posted a topic in Nostalgia and history,
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
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QSL Card Check @ WINTERFEST 2023
WA8AHZ posted a topic in VWS Discussions,
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
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Ole Virginia Hams seeking speakers
KG4NXT posted a speaking opportunity in In person,
Seeking speaker for: Digital modes, antennas, contesting how to, baluns, ununs, kit building
Third tuesday of the month-
- 0 replies
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Manassas Tailgate
KG4NXT posted an event in Club Events,
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
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New "ROVER" Category for 2023 Virginia QSO Party Explained
KM4SK posted a topic in National and regional contests,
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
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Cape May Concrete Ship SS Atlantus POTA Activation K2AA AA2SD
AA2SD posted a topic in Portable & extreme operating,
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/-
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- 2 replies
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7 Field Day preferences
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1. Given the option to choose only one, which of these would you prefer to operate during Field Day?
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Voice
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CW
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Digital
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2. Given one choice, what time of day would you prefer operating during Field Day?
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Morning
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Day
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Evening
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Overnight
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3. Given one choice, which size group do you prefer for Field Day?
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Operate alone
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Two to four operators in the group
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Five to ten operators in the group
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I like large groups
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4. What best reflects your Field Day attitude?
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Happy to participate
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Aim to score high
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5. Last question... on HF, would you rather...
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Run a frequency
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Search and pounce
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