K3MRI

Well Lind, we had a pretty good Field Day also. The group I've worked with for the past five years (N3IC - Randallstown ARC – 3A (MDC) - located at Washington Monument State Park) performed, we believe, well. We did about 50 QSOs more than last year. I found the noise floor was high overnight and in the morning - on all bands. I operated from 3 to 5PM on Saturday, from 4 to 6AM on Sunday and I closed out my station from 1 to 2PM on Sunday. The station I was working phone was an Elecraft K4; a beauty of a machine. I'll post some photos shortly.

How important is it to continue learning after one obtains a license? I'm not talking about learning about gear, I'm talking more the theory, the regulations, propagation, etc. Is it important to read? Is it important to watch videos? Also, who should we be learning from? Are we better off learning exclusively from established, bona fide Elmers and experts, or should we be open to learning from anyone, even if we don't know how expert they may be? Finally, what should we learn about most?

Just received a reply from Danny via message. He says he'll try some additional tweaks and revert. Jim

Hi Danny, Forgive me if I start with asking you the most obvious questions, they are not meant to be insulting, but sometimes the simplest errors are the easiest to miss. Also, please note that in apartments, it's usually the opposite. Often you can get out, but not receive. Have you checked your power? If you're trying to get out of an apartment, even if you are on the outside, with e.g. 5W, you'll have no luck. Your antenna is at 45 degrees, which means that you are transmitting into the ground, literally. The wave leaves the antenna at 90-degrees. So one side of the antenna is transmitting back into the window and the building, and the other side is having to quite literally, bounce off the ground. The sides are probably doing a little better, but not much. I know that this is how they sell the bracket, with a 45-degree angle, but that's fine if you have otherwise perfect conditions, notably a ground with extremely high conductivity. For this, I would try either a vertical or horizontal placement. What band are you at 1.3? And what band are you trying to send on? I know it's a 40M haystack, but at that length it is extremely inefficient. What is your SWR on 20M and have you tried getting out on 20M? Then there is grounding. Even with no obvious ground, your antenna system should have an RF ground, if only a "counterpoise". A counterpoise can be any conductive object which is connected to the ground side of your antenna system and left to 'float' or lay on the surface (it doesn't need to make electrical contact with the Earth). For a 40-meter band, this might be a wire of about 10 meters length. I know you're not on the ground floor (from the image) so this might be a problem. As far as building interference, even though your antenna is outside, it's possible that the building materials are blocking or weakening your signal. Common construction materials such as concrete, metal, and brick can significantly weaken radio signals. Also, electrical equipment in and around your building can cause interference. Consider checking if there is any significant source of electrical noise near you that may be interfering with your signal. My personal next step with your setup would likely be to try a vertical bracket, maybe try extending it beyond the building by a foot, and try to fashion a fake, albeit short, ground plane. Final question that will decide whether I change any of the recommendations above... is your building a wood-frame building or a steel and cement structure. 73 Jim

I'm no fan of Windows, and yet... there is something to be said for the most used platform on Earth. Oh, of course I still remain loyal to MacOS and Linux, but for amateur radio, Windows remains the anchor. BTW, have been running W11Pro for several weeks now and I have had zero zero issues!

Hi Bill. I found this: **Operating System:** - **Chromebooks** run Google's Chrome OS, which is a lightweight and straightforward operating system. It primarily depends on internet connectivity, with most applications and data being stored in the cloud. As a result, it has faster boot times and tends to perform well on less powerful hardware. - **Windows PCs** run Microsoft's Windows operating system, which is more powerful and versatile than Chrome OS. It's designed to run software locally, although it also supports cloud-based applications. Windows has a much larger software library, especially for professional and gaming applications. **Hardware and Performance:** - **Chromebooks** are generally less powerful than Windows PCs in terms of hardware. They have less processing power, memory, and storage. However, due to the lightweight nature of Chrome OS, this doesn't usually hinder the performance for the tasks they're designed for, such as web browsing, video streaming, and using web applications. - **Windows PCs** range widely in terms of hardware and performance. You can get everything from budget laptops to high-end gaming PCs. This allows Windows PCs to handle a wider range of tasks, including resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. **Software and Applications:** - **Chromebooks** primarily run web-based applications, though they also support Android apps and Linux applications. However, many desktop applications (like Adobe's creative suite) are not available. They are typically used for web browsing, streaming, and productivity tasks. - **Windows PCs** have a larger selection of applications, both desktop and web-based. They can run most professional software, many games, and have a wider range of utilities and tools available. **Price:** - **Chromebooks** are generally cheaper than Windows PCs, making them a popular choice for educational institutions and people who mainly need a device for web-based tasks. - **Windows PCs** have a wide range of prices, depending on the specifications. High-end Windows PCs are more expensive than the most expensive Chromebooks. **Security and Maintenance:** - **Chromebooks** are generally considered more secure due to their sandboxing technology, verified boot process, and the fact that most data is stored in the cloud. They also require less maintenance, with updates being quick and unobtrusive. - **Windows PCs** require more maintenance, including regular software updates, which can take longer and require reboots. They can also be more vulnerable to viruses and malware, though this can be mitigated with good security practices and antivirus software. **Conclusion:** In conclusion, the choice between a Chromebook and a Windows PC largely depends on your needs. If you mainly use web-based applications and want a low-maintenance, secure, and affordable device, a Chromebook might be a good choice. If you need to use specific desktop applications, want to play games, or need more powerful hardware, a Windows PC would likely be a better choice. Regarding Chromebook and amateur radio, this is what I found: The usefulness of Chromebooks for amateur radio greatly depends on what specific tasks you intend to accomplish. If you primarily need a device for simple tasks such as learning, referencing, and using web-based tools and Android applications related to amateur radio, then a Chromebook could potentially serve you well. Here are some specific ways you might use a Chromebook for amateur radio: 1. **Web-based Tools**: There are many online resources available for amateur radio operators, including web-based logbooks, propagation forecasts, band plans, and call sign databases. Chromebooks are designed to excel at web-based tasks, making them a good choice for these activities. 2. **Android Apps**: The Google Play Store includes several amateur radio apps that are compatible with Chromebooks. These apps range from learning tools and reference guides to software for decoding digital modes. For example, apps like Morse Trainer, Ham Radio Exam Prep, and EchoLink are available on Android and can be used on a Chromebook. 3. **Linux (Beta) on Chrome OS**: For more advanced users, Chrome OS has a feature that allows you to install a Linux (Beta) environment. This feature potentially enables the use of some Linux-based amateur radio software. But keep in mind that not all Linux applications will run perfectly in this environment, and performance might not be as good as on a traditional Linux or Windows system. However, Chromebooks do have limitations when it comes to amateur radio. If you're interested in software-defined radio (SDR) or digital modes requiring more robust desktop software, the Chromebook might be more challenging to use. Directly interfacing with radios using hardware connections (like a USB interface for digital modes or rig control) can also be problematic due to Chrome OS's limited support for such devices. To summarize, a Chromebook can be useful for certain amateur radio activities, especially those centered around web-based tools and Android apps. However, they may not be the best choice for more advanced or hardware-intensive amateur radio tasks. It's always best to consider your specific needs and requirements before choosing a device. My personal notion is that chromebooks are not ideal to run the core amateur radio applications such as logging software. For the online ones, you'll be fine. If you're looking for something to replace your PC for the usual suspects (browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, photos, etc.) you'll be fine. For pure amateur radio apps, I would argue that you will not be happy with a chromebook. I hope this helps Bill. Jim

I'm wondering what volunteers have done in the past, drive, be driven, or take public transport? I can see advantages and disadvantages with each, not least of which is that there is no public transport at muster time and getting back after the event can be crowded. But then again, parking and driving back is not the easiest either. Thoughts?

So, I'm on Mac (since Lisa) and, as often, a little frustrated by the lack of options. This said, things are improving. As MacBook Pro-s gain in popularity and market share, there seems to be a newly found interest in Mac. Here are some Mac-compatible logging applications for amateur radio that are current as of now: SkookumLogger: Version 3.16 of SkookumLogger is a full-featured contest logging program suitable for the most demanding contester. It runs on MacOS, supporting single-mode and mixed-mode events on 13 bands between 160m and 23cm. SkookumLogger requires a K1EL WinKeyer or a YCCC SO2R Box. RUMlogNG: Version 5.12.5 of RUMlogNG is a HAM radio logging, QSL handling, and printing tool, especially made for the short wave DXer, made by a DXer. Basic logging features are included for the higher bands up to 1.2 cm and for satellite. RUMlogNG2Go for iOS: This is a contact logging tool for amateur radio, very similar and log file compatible to the Mac logger RUMlogNG. RUMlogNG2Go for the iPhone and iPad can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes store. MacLoggerDX: Version 6.46 of MacLoggerDX organizes and filters the spots from your favorite DX Cluster for DXing, casual Contesting, or rag-chewing. MacLoggerDX supports more than a hundred radios, automatically tuning to the spots you are interested in and swinging your beam around. It alerts you to rare contacts or Band Openings and looks up for you. HAM-Toolbox: Version 1.1.0 of HAM-Toolbox provides a variety of useful tools to help you operate your HAM-Radio. The tools range from activity monitoring tools like DX-Cluster and PSK-Reporter, to tools helping you with resource information like Bandplan, Glossary, AWG and many more. HAM-Toolbox is a universal app. If anyone can think of any others, please post. **Edit** Found a few more: Aether: A ham radio logging application for macOS. It includes tools to quickly and easily log QSOs while on the air, as well as organize, search and track your QSOs later. HamLog: An amateur radio logging application that maintains past contacts in chronological order, enabling users to quickly add new and edit existing contacts. It supports contact logging and search, rig control via wired serial or Piglet from Pignology, export/import ADIF, and Name/QTH resolution based on callsign. jLog: A modern, freeware ham log program that can run on all major platforms including Mac OS X, Mac OS, Linux/Unix, and Windows. It allows efficient entry of QSOs and the import or export of data using the standardized ADIF 2 format for easy data exchange with other log programs. Mircules HAM QuickLog: HAM radio logging software compatible with iPad and Mac (requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later). If I get a chance later I'll put in some links. Also, I think this would be a good list to have posted in our wiki.

WOW, and not just the color/saturation. I really truly love the foreground to background separation. This is the perfect combo of bokeh and the use of differential lighting. Excellent. A challenge? Stay in the same spot waiting for a bee to come by and shoot it in midair as it approaches. My shot below is NOT as good as yours, but I have the bee. 🐝

Welcome to Ham Community. We're not a large community but we're here to help each other out as much as possible. If you need anything special, don't hesitate to reach out. 73 Jim

This was AI’s response.

Hi there and thanks for joining. We're still small but thanks to operators like you, we keep on growing. So welcome aboard!! 73 Jim

Welcome Bernard. So happy to have a member from Belgium. We're still small but thanks to international operators like you, we keep on growing. So again, welcome aboard!! 73 Jim

Welcome to Ham Community. We're not a large community but we're here to help each other out as much as possible. If you need anything special, don't hesitate to reach out. 73 Jim

Hi Ron, Welcome to Ham Community. We're not a large community but we're here to help each other out as much as possible. If you need anything special, don't hesitate to reach out. 73 Jim

And I am thrilled that WA3TLJ has chimed in because if anyone can put me back in my place, it is he! 😅😎

Anthony, do not let me man the sails... this said, I can row 🚣‍♂️ and I can fly you there ✈️

Welcome Vincenzo. I sent you a message...

Anthony, I’ve been dying to do this for years, literally. Not right now, but in my previous years, and in years to come, I live and will continue to live for HF nets. Indeed, HC will be launching its own in 2026-ish. Yes, that far out. But as for a directory, I would love to, and no it does not genuinely exist. The problem for me right now is manpower. The amount of time required to do this is inordinate. This said, I do have an idea in the back of my head on how to get a few more volunteers into HC. I’ll be launching this new approach next year. If I succeed, then among the first efforts will be just this, to create a directory of HF nets 😬

Welcome to Ham Community. We're not a large community but we're here to help each other out as much as possible. If you need anything special, don't hesitate to reach out. 73 Jim

As we all know, ARRL / RAC Field Day is held annually in the United States and Canada by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) respectively. The event is designed to test the skills of radio amateurs in emergency situations, and to promote amateur radio to the public. During the event, operators use a variety of modes of transmission, including: CW (Morse Code) Phone (Voice) Digital Modes My question and quandary is a simple one. Given the choice during Field Day, which of these would you prefer to operate. And a few more questions... check out the poll.