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Hamshack Hotline (HH) is a FREE dedicated voip telecom service for the Ham Radio community.  Typically, phones are established in hamshacks, EOCs, Clubs & club members, ARES, and other Ham related areas and functions.  It is not the intention of HH to replace traffic carried over radio in an emergency or other tactical operation, but rather to augment it, by offloading managerial tactical operations and providing a full duplex path for such communications when spectrum is occupied, conditions diminished, or otherwise unavailable.   HH also supports FAXing of information (with appropriate equipment) which allows tactical offices to share documents & data between tactical locations.   In a non-tactical use, HH is an effective resource for off-air troubleshooting when you need to coordinate a troubleshoot of a radio circuit off-air and between multiple SMEs.   In addition to all this, conference bridges on the HH network allow large groups of Hams to coordinate & meet in real time anywhere in the world.

Getting on board HH is easy!  Just acquire a supported SIP capable phone (our network prefers to register hardware phones first), and open a ticket once you have your phone.  If you have one of the phones on HH Supported Endpoints 1-7-19, then also include a picture of the Phone’s MAC address for super easy provisioning.  Before joining HH, please read and understand our HH Covenant3 If you have any questions, our FAQ’s in knowledge base area on our help desk may help, if not – feel free to open a ticket on our help desk.

HH-brochure_trifold2c3.pdf

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.

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.  

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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.

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!

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.