Archive for the ‘Communications’ Category
Ham Radio’s Annual National Contest – Field Day!
Once each year thousands and thousands of amateur radio operators participate in what some consider to be an annual contest - Field Day. Field Day has a more serious side to it than being just a contest however. I call it a contest because the national organization of amateur radio, the American Radio Relay League does actually keep scores for each ham radio station that participates in Field Day. While most hams do want to get their score as high as possible during Field Day the objective is to practice and refine communications skills "in the field".
Many amateur radio operators have sophisticated home base stations with large antenna towers and high gain beam antennas. For Field Day those hams are not allowed to use that equipment. Field Day is designed for the portable amateur radio operator. The objective is to demonstrate and practice the ability to transport, assemble and operate their equipment in the field. There are strict rules preventing the use of permanent structures.
Field Day's benefit becomes crystal clear when you consider that many ham radio operators freely provide high quality portable radio communications in disaster situations. Hurricane season is prime time for such communications. Tornado outbreaks also are a time when such communications capabilities become very valuable. The ability to transport and quickly assemble a high quality amateur radio stations and operate it under stress for an extended period of time is exactly what is tested at Field Day. The scores that are obtained in the contest are roughly indicative of the performance described above.
Is Field Day all work and no play? Usually not! Hams can do Field Day alone. Large numbers of ham amateur radio operators participate as a group. In Appleton Wisconsin and in Green Bay Wisconsin the local ham radio clubs host group events. In each event there is some form of shelter provided. Different members bring their ham radios of various types, computers for digital mode communications, antennas and of course food and drinks. Events such as these are a great time for amateur radio operators to get to know each other and trade stories of rare radio contacts and operating experiences.
Field Day contest points are scored by contacting other ham radio stations. The person or group that makes the most contacts on the most frequencies typically wins the contest. The results of the contest are published in QST which is the monthly magazine of the national organization for amateur radio operators. Being published in a monthly magazine provides bragging rights for those that win the contest.
While winning the contest is a fun achievement it proves that the amateur radio operator that won the contest is quite skilled at making a large amount of contacts over a 24 hour time period. Information must also be exchanged and then accurately reported by both radio operators for the points to be scored. This represents the ability to exchange large volumes of information in a high stress event like a disaster. Tune your radio to the ham radio bands on Field Day each year and find out just how many people participate in this event. To find the specific day of the event or to find an event near you that is open to the public search Google or other search engine for "field day open to public" without the quotes. I know that the amateur radio clubs in Green Bay Wisconsin and Appleton Wisconsin would love to have visitors!
Jon Kreski, otherwise known as AB9NN (FCC Amateur Radio call sign) is an Extra class ham radio license holder. This is the highest level license available. Jon is a member of A.R.E.S. (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and is qualified and authorized to participate in giving ham radio FCC license exams. Jon is also a severe storm spotter - trained by the National Weather Service. Jon works with SkyWarn, a national storm spotter group, to work in a many-to-many ham radio storm spotting network. Jon also provides free ham radio communications support to served agencies and serves as a volunteer to local marathons and races. Jon lives in the Appleton / Green Bay Wisconsin area and operates on HF mobile as well as on the local 2 meter repeaters. Jon uses e-QSL and LOTW.
Talk To An Astronaut – In Space – With Ham Radio!
I recently contacted Astronaut Douglas Wheelock on board the International Space Station with a simple ham radio attached to a small magnet mounted antenna inside our home in Appleton, WI. While a ham radio license is required, it is not difficult to obtain. Ham radio clubs in your area can help you obtain one. Contact the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or visit ARRL.org to obtain more information. The radio equipment required is not overly expensive in my opinion. While I made my contact with a radio in the $750 price range, a simple 2 meter ham radio in the $200 price range would be just fine as well. The antenna I used was a magnet mount antenna attached via magnet mount to our 4 drawer office file cabinet. The antenna is in the $50 price range. If you do not have a file cabinet any large metal object would probably work as well. Many people use kitchen cookie sheets. A stove would work and a wood stove would be excellent.
My first contact with him was on 10/11/2010. Was it worth the effort... well... YEAH!!!
• My 2 meter ham radio used 50 watts but you can do the job with a HT (hand-held radio) and 5 watts. People have used hand-held ham radios and as little as 5 watts. If you go the portable radio route then a satellite antenna (a hand-held beam antenna) is suggested.
• One thing that is required is the ability to transmit on one frequency and listen on another. Sound like basic repeater functionality? Yeah - but the distance between the receive and transmit frequencies is much greater than on standard repeaters. Read further for details on frequencies. No tones are needed for the International Space Station (ISS). Tones are required for other amateur radio satellites.
• Very helpful in my estimation is the ability to track, or predict, when the International Space Station (ISS) will fly over, what direction it will come from and go to, and what height (angle) it will be in the sky. There is no one best method. Your choice will depend on your budget, resources, etc.. I had a PC and internet connection and I downloaded the FREE "Ham Radio Deluxe" program that includes a satellite tracking program. Get your Ham Radio Deluxe software FREE and get to know it. I used the software to alert you, even via digital voice, when to make your attempt. There are web-based alternatives - do a Google search for "satellite predictions" and "satellite tracking" for many more alternatives.
• Know the correct frequencies. Visit AMSAT,org to find the information on various satellites and how to work them. For specifics on the International Space Station (ISS) go to their section. Specifically, read everything from this section http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/ariss/#freqs through the bottom of the page.
• Set-up your radio. Ham radio repeaters use special silent tones in some instances. This allows multiple repeaters to use the same frequency without interfering with each other. The ham radio operator transmits a silent tone on the specific frequency to signal which repeater s/he wants to operate with. The International Space Station (ISS) uses no tone. Learn to say your call sign in proper, standard phonetics. Remember that you are talking to trained professionals. They will NOT appreciate and may not even understand any "cutesy" personalized phonetics. Also learn to transmit your CITY quickly after your call sign. The city will help others know that the astronaut wants YOU to tell them the rest of your call sign in case they miss part of it.
• Lastly, do have some patience. They may be busy. You may be busy. Remember that ham radio on the International Space Station is generally done in their spare time. Good luck busting your first space pile-up!
specifically
By: Jon Kreski
About the Author:
Jon Kreski, otherwise known as AB9NN (FCC Amateur Radio call sign) is an Extra class ham radio license holder. This is the highest level license available. Jon is a member of A.R.E.S. (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and is qualified and authorized to participate in giving ham radio FCC license exams. Jon is also a severe storm spotter - trained by the National Weather Service. Jon works with SkyWarn, a national storm spotter group, to work in a many-to-many ham radio storm spotting network. Jon also provides free ham radio communications support to served agencies and serves as a volunteer to local marathons and races. Jon lives in the Appleton / Green Bay Wisconsin area and operates on HF mobile as well as on the local 2 meter repeaters. Jon uses e-QSL and LOTW.
What is a HAM Radio?
HAM radio, or amateur radio, is a unique way of connecting with people from all over the world with just a small radio. Some people use it to make new friends from around the world, while others tune in and listen for emergencies with which they can be of assistance. At the beginning of this radio technology, it was necessary to learn Morse code but today, users can simply speak and communicate with other users around the world.
Getting involved with HAM radio is really quite simple and can be done by almost anyone. The only things that are needed are a radio and a basic understanding of radio technology and operations.
These radio users are also required to pass an examination from the FCC before they are allowed to operate on frequencies known as Amateur Bands, which have been reserved for this purpose.
The people who use amateur radio, known as Hams, come from all over the world and all walks of life. Teenagers use it to play games with international friends just as often as housewives use it to connect with other women from around the globe. There are hams broadcasting that come from a wide array of geographical locations, socioeconomic groups and nationalities.
There are many reasons that someone may decide to get involved with HAM radio. For some, it is a social activity and they take part in local radio clubs. These clubs often hold "DX Contests," where participants compete to get the most friends from the furthest away. With HAM radio, it is even possible to communicate with astronauts in space.
HAM radio is a fun and interesting hobby that allows users to connect with others from all corners of the globe. It is even possible to be a hero with this form of radio if a local emergency is detected. You just might find that you are first on the scene and that radio would possibly be the reason that a life was saved. If you want to try and reach as far as outer space from the comfort of home, try getting involved with HAM radio.
By: Wes Hagan
About the Author:
If you are into technology then you will want to invest in a Computer Video Camera If you are concerned with safety, you should also research the many different camera security systems that are out there to find the best option for you.
Track Ham Radio Operators With APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System)
As a trained severe storm spotter (not chaser) I need to make accurate position reports when I make severe storm reports destined for the National Weather Service and the county Emergency Manager (usually at the 9-1-1 call center). By training we report the distance and direction from the nearest major intersection. This is where problems can enter the equation.
These reports are via a ham radio network. The assumption is that we clearly pronounce the names of the roads we are near for example. And that we know the difference between being on a street, road, avenue, etc.. That, of course, is as long as we can see the road signs in the pouring rain, darkness and winds that we drive through. Next consideration is the guess at the distance and direction from the nearest intersection. How accurate is that in a rain storm? Then comes the issue of map location. Does the map that the person you are reporting your location to have the level of map detailed needed to locate the roads you are reporting? More importantly, does everyone in the communications network have the same level of map details?
Introducing a nice solution - APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) Connected to a GPS sensor on one side and a ham radio on the other side a TNC (terminal node controller) transmits any ham radio operator's EXACT coordinates (within about 50 feet) to (effectively) a Google map on the internet. Anyone anywhere that has an internet connection (and many with just a ham radio station without an internet connection) can display the exact location, altitude and direction of travel (at least) almost instantly. Since Google maps are zoomable to various levels the desired level of detail is but a click or two away.
Travel path is also be automatically plotted. A nice bright blue line connects the red dots that represent the points of transmission of the APRS device. A quite nice feature of an APRS Google map (see an example at http://APRS.FI) happens when your mouse pointer hovers over one of the red transmission points. A separate red line pops up that indicates what ham radio station heard the transmission. With that information you can trace the route of the data from the GPS device into the internet.
Another nice feature of reporting data via digital data transmissions to the National Weather Service is that many people that have access to the internet Google map can view the information at one time.
As a side note, Facebook - the social network - now has an APRS application that makes these APRS maps of all of your friends available at the click of one button from your Facebook page! One possible application is to have the National Weather Service become friends for all severe storm spotters. Then they would have this data available at the click of one button!
By: Jon Kreski
About the Author:
Jon Kreski, otherwise known as AB9NN (FCC Amateur Radio call sign) is an Extra class ham radio license holder. This is the highest level license available. Jon is a member of A.R.E.S. (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and is qualified and authorized to participate in giving ham radio FCC license exams. Jon is also a severe storm spotter - trained by the National Weather Service. Jon works with SkyWarn, a national storm spotter group, to work in a many-to-many ham radio storm spotting network. Jon also provides free ham radio communications support to served agencies and serves as a volunteer to local marathons and races. Jon lives in the Appleton / Green Bay Wisconsin area and operates on HF mobile as well as on the local 2 meter repeaters. Jon uses e-QSL and LOTW.
http://www.HamRadioResources.com/blog
http://www.Twitter.com/AB9NN
http://www.HamRadioResources.com/blog
http://www.Twitter.com/AB9NN
Ham Radio – A Fascinating Hobby
Ham Radio is a fascinating hobby. Since licensing was first issued, many millions of radio licenses have been issued. With the rapid development in radio and electronics in recent years, equipment has become cheaper, smaller and technically better. The hobby of amateur radio is still going strong with many new recruits joining the ranks every year.
Becoming a radio ham is one of the most exciting, high-tec, educational and useful hobbies you could find. It includes many different groups of people around the world ie. pilots, sailors, doctors, scientists, students, astronauts, even celebrities. First Lady Betty Ford was a CB enthusiast with the handle 'First Mama.' You just never know who you could be speaking to next.
Ham Radio is a licensed radio service. Operators take an exam to get their operating license and most importantly their call signs. The most wonderful thing about it is that no matter your age, color, creed, gender, or physical ability, all are welcomed into the fold with open arms.
Once you have your license you can use your radio station to make to make contact with the world without worrying about additional charges. You can make contact via satellites, use your computer for wireless connectivity, bounce signals off the moon for contacts, use small handheld radios for local communications, even contact the space shuttle astronauts and provide communications for public services.
Radio amateurs have a lot of fun, but there is a serious side to this hobby too. Amateur Radio Associations was founded to provide ordinary people with the means to intensify their operating skills, especially in times of real emergency. In disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, accidents and search and rescue ham radio is often the only means of communication when telephone lines are down, cellphone masts lack power, and local radio and TV stations are off the air. It is the stalwarts of ham radio that everyone has come to rely on and they NEVER disappoint.
Take Paul Mason, an Australian who in 1942 made a key contribution the defeat of the Japanese army at the battle of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. He was the manager of a plantation on the Solomon Islands and being a radio ham was recruited to be a civilian 'coast-watch' by Australian intelligence. He set up his radio - which was very bulky in those days - on a high ridge in the south of the island. The Japanese planes had to pass overhead, in fact it is said he sent the most important message ever sent by a radio ham. The US had landed on Guadalcanal and were disembarking when 24 heavily laden bombers passed overhead Paul who sent
'From STO - Twenty Four bombers headed yours',
this gave the US 2 hours grace to get their planes in the air and they destroyed all but one of the enemy bombers. but the enemy knew he was somewhere on the island and even though he was hounded he continued to send messages, moving heavy fragile equipment on a constant basis and eventually was told to go to the north of the island where he would be picked up by submarine. He was awarded the DFCby General MacArthur for 'his contribution to the war effort'.
Acquiring your license is not difficult and there are study manuals for the 30 question test which you can buy from Radio Shack. It need not be expensive to set up your ham radio or does it have to take up a lot of room. If you are interested and would like advice on anything, the authority on Ham Radio is American Radio Relay League.
By: David Thorson
About the Author:
If you are interested in ham radio a good choice might be a 10 Meter Radio. You can find a 10 Meter Radio at our website ThorsCBradio.com
Ham Radio, Not Just a Thing of The Past
Ham radio, I had no idea people still did that! Didn't that fade into the sunset like the CB fad? Recently I decided to pursue my technician's license to help out in case of emergencies and boy am I receiving an education. Ham radio operators from around the world are filling the radio waves with conversations for fun and to help out in emergencies when communications have been otherwise compromised.
The community in which I live, here is southern California, is very conscious about the ever-present threat of the "big one" hitting us at any time. Constantly reminded that we are over due for the big earth quake that could easily wreck havoc on all our usual forms of communication, IE: cell phones and land lines, we are encouraged to become licensed ham radio operators.
As I have begun studying for the technician class ham radio operator license, I was surprised to discover that volunteer ham's went to Haiti for several weeks to help after their big earthquake. They also went in after Katrina hit the gulf states to help. On the fun side of things they talk with each other across town or on the other side of the world, even out of this world, they sometimes talk with astronauts up in the International Space Station. And even though Morse Code is no longer required to become licensed, there are frequencies reserved for those who like those dots and dashes.
There are many books available to help you understand the subject matter and study for the test, they even try to make it fun. Early this morning, when I couldn't sleep, I did a search on Facebook for ham radio and I couldn't even look at all of them there were so many! I'm excited to be learning something new, something that will allow me to be of service to my community in case of a disaster and something that I know will give me hours of fascination, listening to what is happening far far away and eventually talking too.
By: Lily Myers
About the Author:
Ham Radios Growing in Frequency in Electronic Hobby Field
Ham radio, also called amateur radio has been a popular hobby for many years. Even today, with all of the technological advances we've seen in the world, it remains a mainstay in many people's lives. It's been a popular practice since the late 1800's among thousands of people. In fact, today there are an estimated 6 million people participating in this addictive hobby.
Amateur radio is called such because it is not used for commercial purposes. It doesn't really mean that the operators are not experienced. There are several reasons that one would want to get involved in this hobby. Some people do it for recreation, pleasure, public service, and practice. In emergency situations, hams have been known to pull together and spread necessary information quickly. For this reason, it is more than just a simple hobby. It can help many people under the right circumstances.
With technological advances, running your own radio station has become more accessible than ever. Using wireless technology, more people can engage in radio broadcasting on the go. You no longer have to stay in a stationary spot to do it. This enables many more people to enjoy it at their convenience.
If you've ever considered getting started in amateur radio, there is probably a local club that can show you the ropes. Joining a io club is a great way to learn the basics that you'll need to know in
order to get started. There are some technical aspects that you'll have to learn in order to do it right.
Learning from an experienced ham radio operator (also known as an "Elmer") is usually the best way to get going. They can show you what to do and what not to do. However, if you can't find anyone, there are several books and manuals on the subject.
Regardless of how you learn, ham radio is a great hobby to get involved in. It is growing in popularity and you can learn it in your spare time.
New and used radio equipment can be bought now easier than ever. With the evolution of the internet, supplies can be found at various online outlets. Online auction giant eBay has also become a thriving source for broadcasting equipment. Whether you need antennas, amplifiers, transmitters or manuals, they have it all.
By: B Dixon
About the Author:
B. Dixon is a ham radio enthusiast and runs an online ham radio store specializing in ham radio supplies and Kenwood ham radios.
How to Get a Ham Radio License
Getting Your Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) License
This is an exciting time for amateur radio. We have had so many changes due to technology. Our radio signals can be bounced off the moon back to the other side of the Earth, carried to very specific destinations over the internet, re-transmitted by satellites, carried with digital signals or simply transmitted and received the way they have been since the beginning with analog signals and simple radios.
Many people fear having to learn Morse code, but Morse code testing is no longer required for advanced licenses. The interesting thing, however, is that Morse code seems to be more popular than ever.
Here are some tips for getting your amateur radio license:
Contact a local Ham radio club. Many clubs will have members who can mentor or "elmer" you. Take advantage of that. Ham radio operators are always looking for someone new to talk to and share the hobby with so they will be glad to help you. Almost certainly, some member will be willing to let you talk on his radio and see if you like it. Read a good Ham License Book or go to classes provided by a club Download the appropriate question pool from the ARRL - The American Radio Relay League. Go take your test. Don't worry, it's really not that hard if you study the question pools. Once you pass the test, buy a radio and use it. Don't be intimidated. When you make contact for the first time, let your contact know it's your first time and he will probably help you along.
It's a great time to be involved in Ham Radio. Getting involved is easier than it has ever been and there is a huge supply of radios. Now it's your turn to get started in Ham radio today.
By: Brian Bilgere
About the Author:
Brian Bilgere is a technologist both professionally and personally.
Be sure to have a look at the current gear at Ham Radio Reviews.
History of the Ham Radio
"Hello!" Was the very first word every broadcast over the radio. Few folks that are not entrenched in Ham Operation know the history of the radio.
Who Is Reginald Fessenden?
Reginald Fessenden invented the radio! Canadian Reginald Fessenden adopted his love of transmission when he was a mere lad. After Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone young Reginald has been quoted as saying to a family member "Why do they have to have wires?" This was the first step in a life long journey to answer that very question.
Like all great inventions, the earliest attempts were miserable failed attempts. His theories earned him a government contract, Fessenden, and his assistant Thiessen, worked diligently to meet the challenge until they were able to meet with success.
Fruit and The Radio
Fessenden founded the National Electric Signaling Company (NESCO) with money invested by two wealthy fruit company owners once he had fulfilled his contractual obligations to the government, because of his failed attempts the government opted not to renew funding. As part of the United Fruit Company he worked to figure out a way for their ships at sea could communicate with the folks back in Pittsburgh.
The money that his backers invested bought high powered transmitters and antenna systems. In June of 1906 the first ever voice transmission was sent and received successfully a total of 12 miles away. Fessenden continued to plug away at improvements until he reached the point where he knew his invention was a success.
Merry Christmas
Six months after the first ever voice transmission over the air waves a surprise transmission to ships on the day before Christmas in nineteen six.
As his wife and employees as co-conspirator's he prepared a special Christmas program On ship operators were told to tune in to receive a special Christmas message on December 24th at 9:00 pm. Radio operators sat stunned when 9:00 pm rolled around and a voice came over the air calling out "CQ, CQ".
This was the first "radio" program. Ships across the North Atlantic were treated to Handel's "Largo" played on a Victrola and "O, Holy Night" played for "the audience" by Fessenden on his violin.
The Rest Is History
This new technology called Radio set the world on fire. Hobbyist and early day techies could not get enough of this device and loved the idea of talking to people may miles away without being tied to a cord. They were, and are still, called "amateur" radio operators. Long before commercial broadcasting was on the radar "amateur" radio operators filled the airwaves.
Official laws were first instituted in 1912 by congress. A newly formed agency was put in place by the federal government in nineteen twenty seven that was responsible for regulating radio usage including ham radio operations.
Amateur radio operators have been on the cutting edge of communication since the inception of the radio. They were the first to use cell phones and the first to use FM broadcast.
The inventor did not know the impact he would have on the world.
By: Stanley Braverman
About the Author:
Stanley Braverman enjoys writing articles on many topics. Please visit his website about Handheld Ham Radios & Reviews or his website about HCG - Latest diet craze.
Ham Radio Information
Ham radio is a great hobby for people that are somewhat technically inclined. Ham radio requires a license in order to operate on the air. There are three different ham radio licenses the technician class, the general class and the extra class license. There are numerous study guides available for each license class. There is something for everyone in this hobby. Get some introductory ham radio information here.
Ham radio is a fun hobby, there are many ways to enjoy it including talking to people all over the world, from your home or in the car or portable as in out in the boonies. There is a niche for everyones interest whether it be phone operation, morse code, slow scan tv, moon bounce, satellite communications or repeater operations. You can even get software to help with logging your calls or plotting the best way to talk to a certain country from wherever to wherever, or to learn the morse code (no longer a requirement but fun just the same). Anytime there are emergencies anywhere in the world, ham radio is there to provide needed communications.
In the early days of telegraph operators, the very good operators were called 'hams', so the name stuck to amateur radio operators. The goal of the early 'hams' was to build their own equipment and tweek it to get the maximum distance they could. Building your own equipment is another facit of the hobby that requires some electronic knowledge as well as good circuit design. A lot of hams build and test antenna designs to increase their knowledge of radio wave propagation. It's fun to design and build your own radio equipment and antennas. There are some kits available also for those that want to build their equipment but don't have the required design knowledge.
Ham radio equipment is available for varying prices at your local store, on eBay and many places online, both new and used equipment. There is equipment that is affordable for the first time buyer. My first rig was a used one I purchased from a local store that took trade-ins. It worked very well and I talked to Japan, Australia, Antartica, Canada , and many countries in South America, all with very little power and an antenna I built myself from a length of wire a couple of insulators and a pole. Man was it fun. Ham radio is a wonderful hobby for children and adults. There is a lot of Ham Radio Information online, go to your favorite search engine and type in 'ham radio' and you will get a lot of information to get you started.
By: William Weaver
About the Author:
Find out more interesting information about this great hobby and some great equipment at this site: http://www.amateurradios.info