In this video, I explain how band-pass filters can reduce or eliminate QRM (interference).
Using a spectrum analyzer, I demonstrate a band-pass filter that I built based upon an article I found in the September 1988 edition of QST magazine. The article can be read here:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/8809017.pdf
Here are the basic tools that you will need for electronic projects. It’s a great time to tinker with electronics because there are so many radios, antennas, tuner, and other gadgets available as kits. Of course, you can “homebrew” your own gizmos, too!
Winlink lets you easily send/receive email from anywhere on the face of the Earth with your HF radio. This is a key component of disaster preparedness for hams who will step up and provide communications for others in a time of need. (The impending Zombie Apocalypse is reason enough to learn this, people.)
In the first 7 minutes, I give you the background information on Winlink… what it is, why it’s important, and how it works. Then, I fire up the computer and a QRP radio (naturally!) to do a demo of sending and receiving email.
I played around in the ARRL International DX Contest this weekend for a total of about 8 hours. During that time, I worked 49 countries!
I’m NOT a contester. I’m not really even all that great at CW but I do enjoy it. If I can do this, you can do this, too.
The contest exchange of information was:
DX Station: Call sign, Signal Report (always “599”) and Power Level
American Station: Call sign, Signal Report (always “599”) and State abbreviation.
In this video, I show you my station setup and then record my screen so you can see me working some DX stations via QRP.
Don’t miss the Bonus Track at the end of the video…
-Cliff
Want to get your head around the concepts and hardware needed to start using some of the amateur radio Digital Modes? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive video will tell you everything you need to know to get started and it lays the groundwork for a series of upcoming in-depth videos on RTTY, PSK31, JT65, and Winlink.
The following questions are answered in this video:
I went to Bonaire for two weeks, scuba diving and snorkeling. I wanted to take some radio gear.
And so I did… about 50 pounds worth!
In this video, I share with you the gear I chose to take and I reveal some important lessons I learned…
Using a well-known circuit, I show you how to build a simple computer interface so your logging software can send CW through your radio.
The logging software simulates someone using a straight key. It changes the voltage on an RS-232 pin and the electronic circuit uses a transistor as a switch, grounding the lines as though someone grounded the contacts of a straight key.
This interface will let you work a contest or pile-up using your logging software – without having to use a key or paddle.
The circuit diagram: http://www.n3fjp.com/cwschematic.html
N3FJP website: http://www.n3fjp.com
Tripp-Lite USB to Serial Converter: See it on Amazon.com
I got the last Mountain Topper QRP radio of 2015 from LNR Precision (according to Ryan).
I’ve been having a ball with this gem for the past 10 days. In this video, I tell you about the radio and then show you how to use nearly every feature. It’s a long video that I made for those who may be interested in this jewel-like little rig… which should be EVERYONE!
I went on a road trip with my friends Tim Kreth (AD4CJ) and Doug Miller (W4DML) last weekend to work portable from a beautiful scenic overlook. We drove about 70 miles, full of anticipation, only to find that the scenic overlook had been closed due to a hunting event!
We needed to make lemonade out of lemons.
Running out of time, we decided to head toward home and stop along the interstate at the first exit that looked promising. We found a field that was on an elevated exit of the interstate. It was getting late in the afternoon and we only had a short time to set up, make some contacts, tear down, and begin the drive back home.
I had planned to shoot some video footage for the blog but I only worked a few stations before having to tear down. I spent a lot of time trying to scare up some DX on 15m with no success. I did work Cuba on 15m and a couple of other stations on 20m. Tim concentrated on working 20m and had a lot of fun contacting stations participating in the Skywarn Appreciation Day event. Doug used the time to deploy and trim up a homebrew fan dipole that he’d built.
You can see my setup in the photo, below. You’ll see Tim’s setup in the distance.
Is there any better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than going somewhere with friends to play ham radio?
Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather here in Nashville (67 degrees!) I drove up to Bobcat Ridge and worked a few stations on 15 meters with 5 watts from my trusty Elecraft KX3.
Why don’t we make this a Black Friday tradition?!