Tag: Ham Radio
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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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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…