Author: W5KV
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Mueller State Park RV Trip & POTA Activation
I recently took my family to Mueller State Park for another RV trip in our newly purchased Class C motorhome. This RV has been a bit of a fixer-upper, but tackling these challenges hasn’t deterred me from seeking adventures. In fact, I enjoy the process. As a former mechanic in the army, I find great…
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Rediscovering WSPR with the Zachtek WSPR Transmitter
Have you experienced the magic of WSPR yet? It was one of the first modes that got me hooked on ham radio. I spent so much time on the WSPRnet website that they made me a voluntary administrator! Listening to faint WSPR signals from around the world fascinated me. Well, maybe not me directly, but…
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Adventures in Boondocking: Prepping the Motorhome for Dry Camping
I’ve been getting my motorhome ready for boondocking, also known as dry camping. I’m fortunate to be close to so many BLM dispersed camping sites. One essential task: sanitizing the freshwater tank. To do this, I poured a bleach-water solution into the RV hose and pushed it into the freshwater tank. For every 15 gallons…
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The Essential Roadside Repair Kit for RVs: Your Guide to Self-Reliance on the Road
Just as a soldier carries a Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR) kit to quickly fix equipment in the field, so should every RV owner have a specialized toolkit designed for their home-on-wheels. For Class C motorhome owners, the need for such a kit is even more critical. These vehicles, often blending the comforts of…
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Navigating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
I revived my blog a few months ago with the intention of sharing my project updates periodically. I enjoy sharing what I do because others might find my successes or failures helpful in their own projects. However, life had other plans for me. I was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, and the daily pain…
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More Class C Motorhome Shenanigans
These past few weeks, I’ve been all hands on deck with my RV, confirming the adage that an RV is a high-maintenance hobby. It’s taken over my spare time, but I can’t say I mind much. The bathroom faucet was the first to demand attention—leaking due to its soldered copper connections. A question to the…
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Installing a Ham Radio in a Class C motorhome
I’ve always been skeptical about mobile ham radio setups. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various setups in several vehicles using just about every type of antenna mount imaginable: mag mounts, drilled NMO mounts, truck stake pocket mounts, and hitch mounts. None truly impressed me. It seemed that mobile station performance inevitably suffered the moment…
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Seven Years in the Making: Our Journey to Finding the Perfect RV
In the age of the internet, deciding to buy an RV feels like a huge deal. You see all these scary stories online, but then you see these awesome pictures on X (formerly Twitter) of shiny RV campsites and everyone having a great time. It’s pretty confusing. I’m the kind of person who overthinks everything.…
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Buying Used Gear: A Smart Start in Ham Radio
Welcome to the world of amateur radio, or as it’s more affectionately known, ham radio! If you’re just beginning your journey into this fascinating hobby that marries the joy of communication with the science of radio technology, you’re probably facing the daunting question: What gear should I buy? With an overwhelming array of options and…
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Exploring the Fireboard 2 Drive for Kamado Grills
About a year ago, my love for smoked meats and a desire to dive into the art of smoking led me to acquire a Big Green Egg, a kamado-style grill known for its versatility and efficiency. As a Texas boy at heart, my passion for smoked meats runs deep. Memories of frequenting Dzuik’s Meat Market…
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Portable digital with the FX-4CR transceiver
After an early shift at work, I embraced the opportunity to visit Cherry Creek State Park, the busiest of Colorado’s state parks. Situated just a short distance away, it’s my go-to spot for some much-needed leg stretching, especially amidst the demanding project at work—migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S4/HANA, a task that’s been anything…
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At the Crossroads of CW: A Journey of Rediscovery and Commitment
I’m thrilled that our upcoming radio club (PRA) meetings are shining a spotlight on CW, especially now as my interest is rekindling. At this juncture in my life, I find myself at a crossroads—let’s call it a mid-life CW crisis, if you will. On one hand, I’m tempted to dive in, convinced that the rewards…
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JS8CALL: Reimagining Digital Ham Radio Conversations
Recently, some members of the Parker Radio Association have sparked interest in exploring JS8CALL, a mode innovated by Jordan, KN4CRD. This mode leverages FT8’s robust transmission backbone, introducing a free-text functionality that allows for the construction of complete QSOs by piecing together FT8 transmissions. This process, while seamless thanks to the software’s “behind-the-scenes” magic, enriches…
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Crafting a choke for High Frequency applications
Recently, during my forays into the world of single-sideband (SSB) communications on my FX-4CR radio, I encountered a peculiar issue. Fellow ham radio operators, unprompted, reached out to report a vague but noticeable problem with my audio quality. Unfortunately, they couldn’t pinpoint the issue clearly, and I was left without a concrete example of the…
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Navigating Remote Activations: A Ham Radio Adventure
Embarking on Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA) activations often leads to the great outdoors, where the promise of ubiquitous cell coverage by carriers falls short. The reality is stark in the backcountry of the U.S., where finding a signal becomes a treasure hunt with slim chances of success. This…
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Embracing Spontaneity in Ham Radio: A Reminder from George, K5TR
In a recent conversation with my good friend and fellow ham radio enthusiast, George (Callsign: K5TR), I was reminded of a valuable lesson. I feel compelled to share this insight George offered, as it holds significance for all of us in the ham radio community. The discussion arose while I was enthusiastically discussing the myriad…
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X-Tenna EFHW by KC8YBC
As an enthusiast of creative and innovative craftsmanship, I find browsing Etsy a delightful adventure, discovering the unique creations by talented makers worldwide. During one of these explorations, I stumbled upon a gem for ham radio enthusiasts: the X-Tenna End-Fed Half Wave antenna (v3.0) crafted by Jonathan, KC8YBC. This antenna features a variable ratio transformer…
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Healing Frequencies: Envisioning a Ham Radio Recovery Ranch for Veterans
For years, I’ve harbored a dream to create a sanctuary for Veterans from across the globe—a recovery ranch where healing and hope intertwine. This haven would not be just any retreat but a place where the airwaves become a medium for transformation, utilizing Amateur Radio to guide Veterans battling PTSD, addiction, the aftermath of sexual…
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Navigating the Off-Grid Potential of Meshtastic: A Personal Journey
Recently, I embarked on an intriguing adventure with Meshtastic, a burgeoning off-grid network designed to foster communication in the absence of traditional connectivity. Meshtastic presents a novel concept, especially appealing for those of us keen on off-grid communication technologies. It operates through a network of solar-powered nodes distributed nationwide, with some nodes also connected to…
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FX-4CR First Impressions & a Summits on the Air Activation
Every once in a while, a rig comes along that truly stands out. I’ve had the pleasure of using the FX-4CR HF transceiver for just one week, yet it has quickly become my go-to rig. As someone who primarily uses Single Side Band (SSB) for portable operations, the 20-watt output was a key feature that…