Category: Ham Radio
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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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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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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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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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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…