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Posted:
June 04, 2023
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
How Do I… Ultraportable Echolink
When your busy schedule does not permit you to sit in front of your rig consider installing the Echolink app on your Smartphone.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
April 18, 2023
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
How Do I… Call Books
A collection of interesting facts and observations of how lists of amateur radio call signs and catalogs of railroad rolling stock have similarities.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
February 12, 2023
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Radio Station
How Do I… Parks On The Air – Part 1
Our author has taken a liking to the Parks On The Air program. He went so far as to register for POTA Account and shares the process with you as a step-by-step guide.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
August 01, 2022
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Station
How Do I… What’s in that book?
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.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
June 15, 2022
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
How Do I… Desk Microphone Straw Poll
Results and commentary of a recently published Microphone Performance Straw Poll. The winner is… (follow the link and read the whole story).
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
June 05, 2022
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Station
Portable Operating Essentials
Enjoy the outdoors. It is a great place to operate your radio. Bring along a few essential items such as bandages and brownies. For daytime outings bring sunscreen. For nighttime outings bring a flashlight. Using a polarity tester is a great way to keep the smoke INSIDE your radio where it belongs. Don’t let the smoke get out!
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
May 20, 2022
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
How Do I… Make Your Own QSL Cards
A bit of background information about essential QSL card information. And, our author describes some Do-It-Yourself QSL Card Design and Printing applications.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
May 08, 2022
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Station
Some Favorite Things
Did someone say… Top Ten List ? Perhaps you can make-do with just eight accessories that hams find to be essential in their tool box or ham radio room.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
April 13, 2022
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
How Do I… Club Log and N3FJP
Our Author refreshed his popular document that explains many features provided by the CLUB LOG website and database. The new version delivers 11 pages of content — six more than the original document.
Posted:
April 18, 2022
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
Setting Up Logbook of The World — LoTW
Our author collected thirteen pages of step-by-step instructions introducing and explaining how you can sign-up with the ARRL Logbook of The World (LOTW).
If you have been awaiting the New And Improved LoTW Sign-Up Procedure you might choose to read this How Do I… article instead.
Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
March 28, 2022
Know-How Resources; Other Documents You May Enjoy
How Do I… MPAS 2.0 Antenna Update
Our author offers some new perspectives on the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Portable Antenna. This recent article builds upon information published in our Antenna Clinic PowerPoint presentation which shares space in the Know-How Resources; Other Documents You May Enjoy Reading web page.
Posted:
February 28, 2022
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
N3FJP Amateur Contact Log Special Operations
Suppose you volunteered to operate a Special Event Station on behalf of your Club. Wondering how to set up the logging application for the 1×1 Special Event call sign?
Here are some tips. Part of the How Do I… family of articles.
Posted:
February 07, 2022
Know-How Resources; Contesting
How Do I… N3FJP Contest Logs
Follow along as we guide our friend, Adventurous Learner, or AL as we call him, through the process of installing, configuring, and using the N3FJP contest logging app in the Minnesota QSO Party.
Posted:
January 31, 2022
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the
Technical Side
FTDX-1200 Advanced CAT Control
If you are the type of person who loves technical details and screen snapshots and then this is the How Do I… article for you. It helps if you have a Yaesu FTDX-1200 transceiver, but big parts of the content can be applied to other radios.
Posted:
January 31, 2022
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the Technical Side
Yaesu FTDX-1200 CAT Control
This is what you need to know when setting out to connect your Yaesu FTDX-1200 transceiver with WSJT-X, N3FJP, and FLRIG application software. Updated content.
Posted:
December 05, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Radio Roundup 2021
Like a youngster on the loose in a toy store, our author got all ga-ga when a copy of the new ham radio catalog showed up in his mailbox a few days ago. In this How Do I… article, Frank/KB3PQT talks about what major manufacturers have on the market these days. His report covers HF Rigs, VHF/UHF Mobile Rigs, and Handheld Radios.
Posted:
November 28, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode; Digital Radio DMR
How Do I… DMR Hot Spots
Our author poses two interesting questions to get this article off to a good start. 1.) What is a DMR Hot Spot? 2.) Do I Need One?
If you read the article you will soon know the answers. Enjoy.
Posted:
November 22, 2021
Know-How Resources; Your Amateur Radio License
Getting A FCC Registration Number (FRN)
The FCC has taken steps to upgrade its data processing systems. You almost certainly will be affected by this update. Read about updating your information in the FCC CORES system and in the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS). If you are new to the hobby and planning to sit for a license exam you will need to obtain an FRN. Read on…
Posted:
November 16, 2021
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Station
How Do I… Repeaters
We have some new information describing how communicating via VHF and UHF repeaters can be an interesting part of your ham radio hobby. Our Author provides a practical example of how you can use the built-in repeater functionality that some popular radios provide.
This is Good Reading! I think you will agree.
Posted:
November 07, 2021
Know-How Resources; Your Amateur Radio License
GMRS, FRS, CB – Pathways to Amateur Radio
If you enjoy using one of the other radio services mentioned in the headline we think you might find that an Amateur Radio license opens a whole world of radio hobby possibilities.
Posted:
September 26, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode, Digital Radio
Alinco DJ-MD5 Progress Report
Earlier this year (May 2021) our Author wrote about his experience unboxing his new Alinco DMR radio. Since then about four months have passed and he offers this audience a Progress Report. Read about his progress.
Posted:
September 22, 2021
Join Us; Newsletter
CARC Newsletter
We recently restructured our Monthly Newsletter and Meeting Agenda documents so that the Newsletter content could easily be separated from the Meeting Agenda content. Now we are able to freely share our Newsletter with a public audience while keeping the Meeting Agenda in-house.
We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Posted:
September 20, 2021
Know-How Resources; Other Documents You May Enjoy
Fun with Antennas
Talking Point slides from a recent Antenna Clinic Workshop presented to CARC Members. Learn about Portable and Stealth antennas from a CARC Member who spends a lot of time operating under portable conditions.
Posted:
August 31, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Amateur Radio Station
Antenna Topics — Gain
Gain. (Not the laundry detergent.) What It Is, and Why It Matters. Upon completion, you will know the difference between dBd and dBi. Extra credit to anyone who can use those terms in a sentence.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
August 28, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Antenna Topics — SWR
SWR — Standing Wave Ratio. What It Is, and Why It Matters.
Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
August 22, 2021
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Amateur Radio Station
Replacing a Microphone Cable
Do you have a favorite mobile radio whose microphone cable has seen better days? Don’t give up on the radio. Replace the cable!
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
August 19, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Introduction to Antenna Analyzers
If you don’t have an antenna analyzer do you really need one?. If you do have an antenna analyzer do you know all that it can do for you? Is there an upgrade in your future? How Do I… author Frank shares his perspective with our readers. You can be one of them. Enjoy!
Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
August 10, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Amateur Radio Station
Build your own HT Charging Station
Got multiple HTs? Always looking for charging cables or docks? Corral them with this easy to build it yourself HT charging station!
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
August 04, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Selecting Coax Cable
A look at coax cable, what it is, what it does and how to choose the best for your application. Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
July 26, 2021
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
VHF — Fun with Two Meter FM Simplex
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.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
July 12, 2021
Know-How Resources; General Interest Files
What is a Rail Fan ?
Our author relives the story of how he became a Rail Fan. Beginning as a child in Altoona, Johnstown and Chambersburg, PA, progressing through the HO train set phase, and continuing to the present with two hobbies (Ham Radio and Rail Fan) intertwined.
Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
July 04, 2021
Know-How Resources; Your Amateur Radio Station
Enter your eMail address at the FCC ULS
Have you put some thought into getting your eMail address into your FCC Universal Licensing System profile? Recent changes at the FCC means that information is required. Missing or an invalid eMail address could result in cancellation of your license. This article provides step-by-steps instructions on how to get it done.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
July 01, 2021
Know-How Resources; Contesting
Fun with N3FJP Field Day Log
After spending the weekend immersed in ARRL Field Day operations, our author has a few tips to share with our reading audience.
Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
May 29, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Computer Cables
When was the last time you tried to operate your ham radio without using a computer? Our author has a few thoughts to share on the topic of USB interfaces, USB-To-Serial Adapters, and the characteristics that make for a reliable, trouble-free cable.
Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
May 25, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode (Digital Radio)
DMR Roundtable
Three experienced CARC members talk a fourth member through the initial steps of getting ready to use his DMR radio. You are invited to “eavesdrop” on their conversation. Part of the How Do I... series.
Posted:
May 25, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode (Digital Radio)
DMR Adventures — Getting Started
Welcome to the ham radio world of Digital Radio. This introductory article builds a foundation for what we expect will be a series covering a wide range of digital radio topics . Part of the How Do I… series.
Posted:
May 24, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode (Digital Radio)
Central PA DMR Repeaters
CARC Member Steve, N3FWE has provided a list of DMR Repeaters accessible in Central PA and asked that the list be freely shared with our website audience. The document also includes a listing of DMR Talk Groups. Steve’s wish is my command. Please enjoy.
Posted:
May 23, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode (Digital Radio)
How Do I… Unboxing an Alinco DJ-MD5
Our author was on the receiving end of a parcel delivery. Inside the shipping carton was a brand-new Alinco DJ-MD5 Dual-Band DMR transceiver and its standard accessories. Read all the details by following our convenient link.
Posted:
May 21, 2021
Know-How Resources; Managing Your Radio Station
A Look at Club Log
In this How Do I… article you will see how Frank/KB3PQT uploads information from his N3FJP Amateur Contact Log to the Club Log website. Club Log crunches the data and presents database views showing what the DX’er wants to know — Where do I stand with my DXCC award, which countries have I worked, and which countries have been confirmed, is there anyone I’ve worked who still owes me a QSL card?.
Posted:
May 02, 2021
Know-How Resources; Radio a la Mode (Digital Modes)
How Do I… Install EchoLink
This article presents an Overview as well as Step-By-Step Installation and Configuration Procedures for the licensed ham radio operator who wishes to set up and use EchoLink in the Individual Computer Operator mode of operation.
Posted:
April 25, 2021
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Antenna Discussion…
In this How Do I… article, Frank/KB3PQT introduces the reader to his ham radio friend “AL”. Frank and “AL” have been dealing with building an HF station for “AL” to go with his recently earned General Class license. It turns out that “AL” does not have enough trees in the right places to let him erect an array of HF dipole antennas. What is a man to do? Frank tells us.
Posted:
February 21, 2021
Know-How Resources; Your Amateur Radio License
The FCC and Code of Federal Regulations
CFR Title 47 Telecommunications, Part 97
Let’s imagine that you are asked to research FCC Regulations that deal with Amateur Radio. Would you know how and where to get started? After reading this article in our How Do I…? series you will know your way around the Code of Federal Regulations. And, you will be on your way to CFR Title 47, Part 97 faster than you can say Jack Robinson.
Posted:
December 26, 2020
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the Technical Side
Yaesu FT-991-A Digital Settings
Captured in one place and presented as an authoritative reference for those who wish to configure a Yaesu FT-991-A transceiver to operate using the popular digital modes.
Posted:
December 23, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
Straight Key Century Club…
Our author credits the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) with helping him develop his Morse Code skills and build on-the-air confidence to use Morse Code as part of the hobby. Read what he says and soon you will be saying “Yes, CW is for me!”
Posted:
December 21, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
CTCSS, PL, DCS, DTMF…
You did a good job getting through the acronyms CW, SSB, AM, FM, RTTY, SSTV, and FT8. If you are really brave, try your hands at these.
Posted:
December 15, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
N3FJP Amateur Contact Log API…
Today’s author discovered some powerful functionality that leverages the Rig Interface and permits sharing what he had previously configured in the AC Log application with any of the N3FJP Contest Logging applications. There is no need to reinvent the wheel when you put this API to work in your station.
Posted:
November 30, 2020
Know-How Resources; General Interest Files
Central PA Railroad Frequencies — Updated
Written by a big fan of ham radio who is an equally big fan of railroad operations. One hobby feeds the other. Here you will find a wealth of information about the Central Pennsylvania VHF frequencies that are in use.
Posted:
November 30, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
Some of My Favorite Things…
Our author shares his ideas relating to aftermarket accessories for VHF and VHF/UHF handheld transceivers. He tells us about Programming Software and Cables, Protective Carrying Pouches, Whip Antenna Replacements for the standard Rubber Duck, and Handheld Speaker Microphones.
Posted:
November 18, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
CW Operations — Getting Up To Speed
Becoming a good CW Operator involves more than learning the dits and dahs that make up the morse code letters and numbers. CW Operators have their own abbreviations and shortcuts that enable them to squeeze some time out of a morse code transmission that might otherwise be considered slow-paced.
Soon you will be saying: “YES, CW is for ME!”
Posted:
November 18, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
CW Operations — Are You Talking To Me?
Voice communications via Ham Radio comes naturally to many people. Have you ever wondered what it takes for a ham radio operator to learn the ways and means of carrying-on a Morse Code conversation? Our author provides insights and helpful tips for overcoming the barriers to success.
Soon you will be saying: “Yes, CW is for ME!”
Posted:
November 18, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
ICOM IC-7300 Manual Key Settings
It is a great day when a new author steps forward and provides new content for this web site. We welcome John WA3KCP who wrote a great article describing the steps he performed after becoming the proud owner of an ICOM IC-7300 HF Transceiver. John is a brass-pounder (CW Operator) and shares his insight with us.
Posted:
November 18, 2020
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Radio Roundup 2020
Like a young kid on the loose in a toy store, our author got all ga-ga when a copy of the new ham radio catalog showed up in his mailbox a few days ago. In this How Do I… article, Frank/KB3PQT talks about what major manufacturers have on the market these days. His report covers HF Rigs, VHF/UHF Mobile Rigs, and Handheld Radios.
Posted:
November 11, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
When To Log A WSJT-X Digital QSO
If someone tries really hard he or she can make even the simplest activity difficult. Some hams decline to log a WSJT-X Digital QSO unless the other guy sends “73” at the end. Our Author scoured the Internet looking for opinions and facts describing what constitutes a valid WSJT-X digital QSO. He presents the facts. Aren’t you glad you visited this page? Don’t you wish everyone did?
Posted:
October 24, 2020
Know-How Resources; Moving Up The Technical Side
SSTV – What Happened?
Imagine the excitement you would feel if you received Slow-Scan Television images via Amateur Radio from the International Space Station (ISS) as it passed over your home. Our author shows screen snap-shot photos of images he recently received. The good images speak for themselves. Read a few tips which help explain how and why the images sometimes show room for improvement.
Posted:
October 21, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Amateur Radio Station
The Well Read Ham
Our author and our Editor have a particular fondness for books. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) publishes more books than Carter has pills. (Only old hams know what that means.) Please take a look at the recommended reference books described in the accompanying document. You may find something that piques your interest.
Posted:
October 20, 2020
Know-How Resources; General Interest Files
Lurgan Branch, Leidigh Park & Cleversburg Jct
Our #1 Rail Fan, Frank Mellott, tells about train movements along the Lurgan Branch near Boiling Springs, PA and Shippensburg, PA. Frank shares his insights regarding the best camera angles.
Posted:
September 28, 2020
Know-How Resources; Contesting
RTTY Software and Contesting
Our author was forced to make a tough decision between spending a beautiful First-Weekend-of-Fall outdoors, or spending time indoors exploring and comparing the features and operation of several popular RTTY sound-card based applications. Indoors won. Click the link to read why that was a good choice.
Posted:
September 11, 2020
Know-How Resources; Contesting
Working the Pennsylvania QSO Party
This is an updated version of a presentation written by K3SWZ and taught to CARC Members in preparation for their record breaking performance in PA QP 2019. The updates are indicated by the phrase “Ed. Note:”
Posted:
September 03, 2020
Know-How Resources; Contesting
N3FJP TAB Sends Message
A lot of us use N3FJP contest logging software because it does a good job and provides the essential features that a contest operator needs in order to be competitive.
The TAB Sends Message feature is one of the little-known treasures among the bounty that Scott and his team provides. This article provides some insight for how you can configure and use this feature in your station.
Posted:
August 21, 2020
Know-How Resources; Your Amateur Radio License
Behind the Magic Curtain
Our main author worked his fingers to the bone as he typed long into the night and shared his insights as to who, what, and how the many pieces of a Volunteer Exam Session come together for a successful event. Read and you will learn how Seven is the New Three.
Posted:
August 08, 2020
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Radio Station
Computer Tips
Our favorite author freely admits to having used DOS as a PC Operating System. He shares ideas and techniques about getting and keeping applications working together in harmony when they reside on the same PC.
Posted:
August 06, 2020
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the Technical Side
Fun With VHF – Headsets VHF Mobile
A breakthrough discovery revealed that it is actually possible to interface a Heil BM-10 Headset with a VHF Mobile Rig despite search results that said no such interface cable exists. Ha — our man showed them!
Posted:
August 04, 2020
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the Technical Side
Fun With VHF – DMR
Information about Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) as well as great links to sites where recognized experts present their content on this topic.
Posted:
July 26, 2020
Know-How Resources; Moving Up on the Technical Side
Fun With VHF – FM Digital Modes
Our hyper-active author has written a series of articles describing the FM Digital Modes D-STAR, NXDN, and SYSTEM FUSION. If you have a growing interest in VHF FM Digital Modes there are the articles you should read.
Posted:
July 22, 2020
News (Blog Posting); Contesting
Practice Makes Perfect
A few general thoughts about Radio Sport Contesting and some details that are specific to the upcoming Maryland – DC QSO Party scheduled for August 8, 2020. Four pages. A nice quick read.
Posted:
July 18, 2020
Know-How Resources; Salmagundi
Comet 9-Band Telescopic Antenna
Written by a big fan of ham radio portable operation, this article introduces the Comet HFJ-350M Telescopic Antenna and tells why you may wish you had one in your GO Bag.
Posted:
June 22, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Station
FM Repeaters
A handful of helpful tips for the ham who may be new to the hobby. How to get on-the-air using FM Repeaters in the VHF and/or UHF bands. Read more…
Posted:
June 07, 2020
Know-How Resources; Operating Your Station
Tower of Babel — IRLP and EchoLink
Diagrams and text narrative describing how modern PC and mobile app technology extends Amateur Radio into areas previously unknown to the average operator..
Posted:
May 22, 2020
Know-How Resources; Setting Up Your Station
The ICOM 718… a classic transceiver
Your entry into the world of HF Ham Radio. This classic transceiver offers the features that entry-level ham most want, and at a readily affordable price. Read more…
Posted:
March 29, 2020
News; Notes From The Shack
Memory Aids for Call Signs
Sometimes a call sign reveals powerful insights about the Operator of the station. Sometimes a call sign is nothing more than letters and numbers. You be the Judge.
Posted:
March 9, 2020
Know-How Resources; Other Documents You May Enjoy
Zoom Web Meeting
A few simple steps will enable you and your PC to join the CARC Zoom Web Meeting. Great for Snow Birds.
Posted:
March 9, 2020
News; Notes From The Shack
Share The Airwaves
You can learn a lot from green plastic army men. Personal reflections on the state of our Ham Radio hobby.
Posted:
February 27, 2020
News; Notes From The Shack
WSJT-X and JTALERT
Some humorous thoughts about digital modes, FLDIGI, and JTALERT by Guest Author N6DBF..
Posted:
February 24, 2020
News; Notes From The Shack
Slow Scan Television
A brief recap of an on-the-air activity CARC Members have added to their Weekly Two Meter Net. The Net meets every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. local time on 146.490 MHz, FM Simplex. Frank Mellott KB3PQT is our Net Control Station.
Posted:
February 22, 2020
Know-How Resources; The Technical Side
Olivia
An introduction to the conversational capabilities offered by the OLIVIA Digital Mode.
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- CW