Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
Today’s Article Count is 33. The most recent update was made on March 02, 2024.
These articles offer perspectives on ways you can enjoy the ham radio hobby through On-The-Air activity.
POTA Hunter Tricks and Tips
Posted October 08, 2023
Our author has accumulated so many insights as a POTA Hunter that he might burst unless he can share his tips with you. Please read his article or cover yourself with something waterproof.
Keywords: POTA, HUNTER, TRICKS, TIPS, TECHNIQUES, N3FJP,
Giving Back via EMCOMM
Posted March 02, 2024
The Amateur Radio Service has some of its earliest roots in providing Emergency Communications. We still do that. In some cases we work in partnership with other organizations. Learn how we collaborate.
Keywords: ARES, RACES, FEMA, RED CROSS, WINLINK, VARA,
Coming Soon…
Posted Month dd, 20yy
This space has been reserved in anticipation of new content being developed by our creative staff. Watch this space for new developments.
Keywords: X,
IC-7300 Manual Key Settings
Posted November 18, 2020
It is our pleasure to introduce our newest author — John WA3KCP. In this article John describes his positive experiences as the new owner of the popular ICOM IC-7300 HF transceiver.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: CW0KEY SET, STRAIGHT, VIBROPLEX, CHAMPION, BUG, COOTIE,
When To Log a WSJT-X QSO…
Posted November 11, 2020
Facts versus Opinions. What constitutes a valid two-way radio contact, also known among ham radio operators as a QSO? We have some facts and we enjoy sharing. Please read and enjoy.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: RRR, RR73, IARU, REGION 1, HF MANAGER’S HANDBOOK,
Portable Operating Essentials
Posted June 05, 2022
Warm Weather Season 2022 has arrived. You may wish to pack a picnic basket, take your radio and antenna into the field, and operate portable. Our author has a few suggestions involving what else you should carry on your journey.
Portable Operating Essentials [PDF]
Keywords: BANDAGES, USER MANUAL, BUG SPRAY, FLASHLIGHT, BATTERIES, SUNSCREEN, POLARITY TESTER, ICED TEA, BROWNIES.
Some of My Favorite Things…
Posted November 30, 2020
Our author offers his thoughts on useful and affordable accessories for VHF and VHF/UHF Handheld transceivers.
Keywords: PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE, SPEAKER MIC, MIGHTY POUCH, DIAMOND ANTENNA,
What’s in that book?
Posted August 01, 2022
Our #1 Author is particularly fond of the great outdoors. He lives to take his transceiver outdoors and make contacts from exotic places such as Sideling Hill and Shippensburg. He goes nowhere without his book. Read and you will know why.
Keywords: USER MANUAL, BAND PLANS, LICENSE, IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, COFFEE RECIPE, THREE-RING BINDER.
N3FJP Rig Interface API…
Posted December 15, 2020
Today’s author discovered a wealth of functionality in the N3FJP Amateur Contact Log that can simplify setting up the Rig Interface for use with any of the N3FJP Contest Logging applications.
How Do I-AC Log and Contesting [PDF]
Keywords: BAUD RATE, PARITY, DATA BITS, STOP BITS, POLLING RATE,
Sign-Up for POTA…
Posted February 12, 2023
Our author enjoys the great outdoors. He enjoys having his rig with him and operating in the great outdoors. This lead to his interest in the Parks On The Air program (POTA) Here he describes how he registered for a POTA Account. You can register too. Read How.
Keywords: PARKS ON THE AIR, POTA, LOGGING, ADIF, SPOTTING,
POTA Tips and Tricks
Posted September 04, 2023
Fifteen, count ’em, Tips and Tricks that may help you become the most effective POTA Activator or Hunter. Some apply to any of the other “OTA” events — SOTA, MOTA, and IOTA to name a few.
Keywords: POTA, ACTIVATOR, HUNTER, POTA TIPS, POTA TRICKS,
POTA Paper Logging
Posted August 21, 2023 ** Updated September 03, 2023
Sometimes there is no room for a logging PC when heading out for a POTA Session. Here is a General Purpose POTA Log Sheet and instructions for its use.
Keywords: POTA LOGGING, PAPER LOGGING, PORTABLE, ACTIVATOR, HUNTER
POTA Post Event Log Upload
Posted August 24, 2023
Our author is very big when it comes to Parks On The Air (POTA). He shows us how to export an ADIF file from N3FJP and upload that file to the POTA website.
Keywords: LOGGING, POTA, ADIF, N3FJP, TQSL, LOTW
POTA Post Event LOTW
Posted August 25, 2023
Our author is very big when it comes to Parks On The Air (POTA). He shows us how to create a Station Location entry in your Logbook Of The World profile.
Keywords: LOGGING, POTA, LOTW, STATION LOCATION, GRID SQUARE
POTA Logging with HAMRS
Posted August 28, 2023
Our author seems to have a case of everything POTA. Today’s article introduces HAMRS as a convenient logging app for portable operations.
Keywords: POTA, LOGGING SOFTWARE, HAMRS, FIELD DAY
VHF – Two Meter FM Simplex
Posted July 26, 2021
Our author shares a few thoughts about making contacts on Two Meters, without using a repeater. FM Simplex is the name of this method of communications. You can do it. Click the link to read how easy it can be.
How Do I – Fun with VHF 2 Meter Simplex [PDF]
Keywords: x
FM Repeater Tips
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Frank Mellott, KB3PQT, writes about FM Repeater usage. Many first-time ham radio hobbyists earn a Technician License and begin operating using a HT radio to access nearby repeaters.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
POTA Activation Planning
Posted September 13, 2023
A bit of planning your POTA Activation goes a long way toward ensuring a successful event. Our author shares his thoughts regarding comfort and safety.
POTA Activation Planning [PDF]
Keywords: PORTABLE, POTA, GO PLAY RADIO, OUTSIDE, PLANNING, MAPS, TABLES, CHAIRS,
CTCSS, PL, DCS, DTMF
Alphabet Soup
Posted December 21, 2020
As if CW, SSB, AM, FM, RTTY, SSTV, and FT8 weren’t enough, try your hands at under-standing these acronyms. You’ll do good!
Keywords: CTCSS, PL, DCS, DTMF, RTTY, SSTV
How Do I… Repeaters
Posted November 16, 2021
Our author wrote this How Do I… article telling about how repeaters can fit into your ham radio operation. He describes how some popular VHF radios include a built-in repeater function and provides a practical example of how you could use this feature. Good Reading!
Keywords: x
OMISS Net
Posted September 25, 2023
The Old Man International Sideband Society has a place for you. Read all about it, then give it a try.
Keywords: OMISS, NETS, AWARDS, INTERNATIONAL, SIDEBAND,
Logging Software
Posted Month DD, 20YY
An accurate log is essential for Radio Sport Contesting. A log is a powerful tool if you are in pursuit of Ham Radio Awards. PC software makes logging a piece of cake.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Alaska Counties
Posted October 01, 2023
There are no counties in Alaska. Some people use the four Judicial Districts as substitutes. Some people use the Alaskan Boroughs as substitutes. This article will share insights with our readers.
Keywords: ALASKA, COUNTY HUNTERS, AWARDS, N3FJP, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, MAPS, LOGGING,
There’s an App for that
Posted Month DD, 20YY
It can be challenging to imagine a Ham Radio Station that runs without using a PC. Hams have a wide array of PC applications from which to choose. Read about them here.
Keywords: x
Practice Makes Perfect
Posted Month DD, 20YY
In other areas of the website we talk about being prepared. Radio Sport Contests provide a competitive outlet for honing the skills that Hams use during emergencies.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Skill vs. Luck
Posted Month DD, 20YY
A short story about some things that went wrong on a Contest Weekend coupled with the steps that brought relief. In other words, If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Maximizing Play Value
Posted Month DD, 20YY
The point of this article is that most of what Ham Radio Operators do is scalable. If you want to try something on a small scale you can get plenty of enjoyment before making a big investment.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Public Service
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Amateur Radio Operators are well-known for the service they provide to communities in times of disaster. Hams also are helpful at parades, races, fairs, and walk-a-thons.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Hints And Kinks
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Frank Mellott, KB3PQT, writes about his recent experiences on the CARC Net, using FLDIGI, using FT8, and sending QSL Cards to confirm Two-Way Radio Contacts.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
CARC Net Check-In
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Tips to guide you when checking-in to the CARC Net. Our net is a directed social event with relaxed procedures. More formal procedures are used by the National Traffic System Nets and for Emergency Operations.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Keywords: x
Clubs, Nets and Social Activities
Posted Month DD, 20YY
One topic. Three files. All three work together to tell the story of what and how Ham Radio Operators do to enjoy the hobby. Please enjoy these articles that are part of our How Do I… series.
Clubs Nets Social Activities Part 1
Clubs Nets Social Activities Part 2
Clubs Nets Social Activities Part 3
Keywords: x
A Plea for Logging Your QSOs
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Our author has a few thoughts about ways in which you can leverage the capabilities of the PC you may be using to work Digital Modes by loading an App and registering for the ARRL Logbook of the World, or by registering for eQSL.
LOTW and EQSL and Digital Modes [PDF]
Keywords: x
Coming Soon…
Posted Month DD, 20YY
This space has been reserved in anticipation of new content being developed by our creative staff. Watch this space for new developments.
Keywords: x
More Computer Tricks…
Posted Month DD, 20YY
Computers and Ham Radios work side-by-side to perform essential record keeping in pursuit of achievement awards. Ham Operators use the words Logging Software to describe the applications that simplify this task. This article describes three popular Logging Software applications.
Keywords: x
Radio Games
Posted Month DD, 20YY
There is a time and place in the ham radio hobby where competition takes place. Ham Operators use terms Contest, Radio-Sport or Radio-Games to describe the competition. A contest is based on making two-way radio contacts, tallying points and multipliers to arrive at a score. Read more…
Keywords: x
Coming Soon…
Posted Month DD, 20YY
This space has been reserved in anticipation of new content being developed by our creative staff. Watch this space for new developments.
Keywords: x