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locked Show us your dummy load #makeitradio

Doug KM4LKC
 

If you haven't picked up your DIY 150-watt Dummy Load Project from Angelo, you'd better get one now before they are gone.
It takes fewer than 30 minutes to build the kit.  The cost is $ 20.00 with all proceeds going to the Club.

Great job Angelo, K3YUN!







--

Doug KM4LKC
Having fun promoting amateur radio technology

locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Dave K4DES <k4des@...>
 

J-pole at 20 feet. I could move it to the top of the tower but I’d like to see more details about the exercise before going to that.

Get Outlook for iOS

From: main@CARS-FL.groups.io <main@CARS-FL.groups.io> on behalf of Jim WD8JEL via groups.io <jnuznoff@...>
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2020 6:33:00 PM
To: main@CARS-FL.groups.io <main@CARS-FL.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [CARS-FL] Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents
 
Dave, your beams seem awsome! What di yo have to offer omnidirectional?


On Fri, Sep 25, 2020 at 4:15 PM, Dave K4DES
<k4des@...> wrote:
I could serve a a BIG GUN as I now have a 4 element vertically polarized 2 meter and 6 element 440 beam at 90 feet and Yaesu 991A at 50 watts on FM.

locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Jim Nuznoff WD8JEL
 

Dave, your beams seem awsome! What di yo have to offer omnidirectional?


On Fri, Sep 25, 2020 at 4:15 PM, Dave K4DES
<k4des@...> wrote:
I could serve a a BIG GUN as I now have a 4 element vertically polarized 2 meter and 6 element 440 beam at 90 feet and Yaesu 991A at 50 watts on FM.

locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Dave K4DES <k4des@...>
 

I could serve a a BIG GUN as I now have a 4 element vertically polarized 2 meter and 6 element 440 beam at 90 feet and Yaesu 991A at 50 watts on FM.
locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Paul KO4ACZ / Mo KO4ADA
 

Sounds like a good experimental exercise. Count us in. It was good to see smiling club members faces at the elks today.
locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Doug KM4LKC
 

THANK YOU!  It appears we have outstanding participation in this exercise.

We are finalizing the three locations - one in the Port Charlotte / Murdock area and one on the south side of Punta Gorda and the final location will likely be a little east of these locations.
Frequencies will be set for each of the zones in both VHF and UHF.
And we are configuring the portable stations to operate from painters poles or similar portable mast systems.

Stay tuned for details so you can get your hand-helds programmed and ready to go!
locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Rod K4BGU
 

Hi Don,
Thanks again for all the useful information. I think I can make it happen as I already have a tilt base from DX installed but got called on it due to HOA rules. I think I can get away with it on a temp install every other Thursday evening...then take it down before AM. I was looking at a comet Antenna unit that is around 7.5 ft in height on top of a twist lock pole That should get the base at about 20 feet.
Talk soon, 73’s
Rod. K4BGU

On Sep 20, 2020, at 8:35 AM, Donald Kumpost <kumpostd@...> wrote:

Rod

Looked on the map and from my location (Net Control) to your location is about 9.5 miles.  Depending on the elevation of your antenna (how high is it mounted), you could be in the fringe of my reception area or just outside of it.  So, elevation is item #1.

The other thing is power.  What I found very quickly, very early on, you need to go up in power.  I'm operating at 100 watts to be able to reach all that I can reach, and even then, still have to rely on relays to communicate with outlayers.  So, power is item #2.

Obviously, an antenna that is tuned to 6m (without using a tuner) will give you better true power out of the antenna.  I know you said you had a 6m ham stick but it didn't receive as well.  That's probably very understandable.  Again, you are at the very southern edge of my transmission area and most of the folks are north of me, some at the very northern edge of my transmission area.  I have trouble hearing some of them, so you would most likely never hear them.

One thing I am a bit confuse about, You made a comment that Susan was blasting in.  However, I have never had a Susan check in on my net in all the times I ran it, so that leaves me confused.

So, elevation, transmit power, and 6m antenna, as Doug said, I am using the GP-52 mounted on top of a 24 ft painters pole and it gives me pretty good coverage, especially being in an HOA.

If you have any other questions, you can contact me direct at kumpostd  @  hotmail.com (take out spaces)


Don Kumpost
KG5RVW

locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Doug KM4LKC
 

I forgot to share the most famous local antenna for 6 meters - It's KO4ACY Chuck's Copper J-Pole.
It is mounted in a tilt-over base made up of three 10' pipes (1 1/2" dia).
Ask me about the hose that got stuck during the installation some time - it's a two beer story.
locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Donald Kumpost
 

Rod

Looked on the map and from my location (Net Control) to your location is about 9.5 miles.  Depending on the elevation of your antenna (how high is it mounted), you could be in the fringe of my reception area or just outside of it.  So, elevation is item #1.

The other thing is power.  What I found very quickly, very early on, you need to go up in power.  I'm operating at 100 watts to be able to reach all that I can reach, and even then, still have to rely on relays to communicate with outlayers.  So, power is item #2.

Obviously, an antenna that is tuned to 6m (without using a tuner) will give you better true power out of the antenna.  I know you said you had a 6m ham stick but it didn't receive as well.  That's probably very understandable.  Again, you are at the very southern edge of my transmission area and most of the folks are north of me, some at the very northern edge of my transmission area.  I have trouble hearing some of them, so you would most likely never hear them.

One thing I am a bit confuse about, You made a comment that Susan was blasting in.  However, I have never had a Susan check in on my net in all the times I ran it, so that leaves me confused.

So, elevation, transmit power, and 6m antenna, as Doug said, I am using the GP-52 mounted on top of a 24 ft painters pole and it gives me pretty good coverage, especially being in an HOA.

If you have any other questions, you can contact me direct at kumpostd  @  hotmail.com (take out spaces)


Don Kumpost
KG5RVW
locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Rod K4BGU
 

Thanks Doug I’ll  check out your suggestions.
73 Rod
K4BGU


On Sep 19, 2020, at 1:20 PM, Doug KM4LKC via groups.io <sunburned_fl@...> wrote:

Rod,

Great radios.  I love my 590s and I have had the opportunity to run the 7300 a few times.
Sounds like the antenna(s) are reflecting enough power back to the radio that the radios are folding back and reducing power.

At your location, antenna height is a key factor.  If you can get something up 20 feet or so that should help a lot.  You might want to start with a simple verticle dipole.  They are easy to tune and simple to make.  This is more complicated than the simple wire antenna, but it might give you some inspiration...lol.
 https://www.instructables.com/id/My-Experiment-in-Building-a-Vertical-Dipole-Antenn/

Don KG5RVW uses an arrow GP-52 1/4 wave ground plane. The price is right!
http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp/gp52.html 

And you are welcome to borrow my antenna analyzer anytime.

73,

Doug

locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Doug KM4LKC
 
Edited

Rod,

Great radios.  I love my 590s and I have had the opportunity to run the 7300 a few times.
Sounds like the antenna(s) are reflecting enough power back to the radio that the radios are folding back and reducing power.

At your location, antenna height is a key factor.  If you can get something up 20 feet or so that should help a lot.  You might want to start with a simple verticle dipole.  They are easy to tune and simple to make.  This is more complicated than the simple wire antenna, but it might give you some inspiration...lol.
https://www.instructables.com/id/My-Experiment-in-Building-a-Vertical-Dipole-Antenn/

Don KG5RVW uses an arrow GP-52 1/4 wave ground plane. The price is right!
http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp/gp52.html 

And you are welcome to borrow my antenna analyzer anytime.

73,

Doug
locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Rod K4BGU
 

Hi Doug,
I’m in Burnt Store Marina using an SX-80 vertical (80-6m) have tried 
my Icom 7300 and Kenwood ts590. Have three manual tuners etc..
None of the tuners are rated for 6 and SWR is to far off for the radio’s internal tuners to handle it. I bought a 6 meter ham stick a month or so ago and couldn’t get it to hear as well as my vertical and it couldn’t be heard either. I don’t have an antenna analyzer so even with the ham stick I don’t know which way to adjust length or counterpoise wire.
Thanks for asking,
Rod  K4BGU


On Sep 19, 2020, at 9:17 AM, Doug KM4LKC via groups.io <sunburned_fl@...> wrote:

Rob,

What is your location? 
What antenna are you using? 
What is your SWR reading during transmission?

Doug

locked Re: Cars club 150 watt Dummy Load Project #makeitradio

Michael N4MJR
 

Good morning.  I would like a kit if one is available, please.  

Thanks, Michael N4MJR 
locked Instructions to Build the DIY Dummy Load Club Project #makeitradio

Doug KM4LKC
 

Here are the instructions to complete the kits.  Angelo, K3YUN has the parts bagged up and ready to go. 
A number of operators have already reserved their kits.  However, there are a limited number of extra kits available, so let us know if you would like one. 
The kits are only $ 20.00 and the proceeds benefit the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, Inc.



--

Doug KM4LKC
Having fun promoting amateur radio technology

PDF
DIY Dummy Load K3YUN.pdf

locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Doug KM4LKC
 

Rob,

What is your location? 
What antenna are you using? 
What is your SWR reading during transmission?

Doug
locked Amateur Radio and the International Space Station #makeitradio

Doug KM4LKC
 

Allan, KN4JEN asked a great question on the Sunshine Net this morning.  Allan wanted to know if anyone was aware of the repeater installed on the International Space Station.
If you want to learn more, here is the link Allan provided - https://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_ARISS.php

--

Doug KM4LKC
Having fun promoting amateur radio technology
locked Re: CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

Rod K4BGU
 

Hi all, once again I heard you all on the 6meter net. Susan  was blasting in. But,
I tried for 30 min to be heard and cannot figure out what my 
problem was with being received.
Rod  K4BGU


On Sep 17, 2020, at 7:00 PM, main@CARS-FL.groups.io Calendar <noreply@groups.io> wrote:



CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB

When:
Thursday, 17 September 2020
7:00pm to 8:00pm
(GMT-04:00) America/New York

Where:
50.200 USB

Description:
Join us for the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society's 6-meter net on 50.200 USB at 7:00 pm on the first and third Thursday each month.

locked CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB - Thu, 09/17/2020 #cal-notice

main@CARS-FL.groups.io Calendar <noreply@...>
 

CARS 6 meter Net on 50.200 USB

When:
Thursday, 17 September 2020
7:00pm to 8:00pm
(GMT-04:00) America/New York

Where:
50.200 USB

Description:
Join us for the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society's 6-meter net on 50.200 USB at 7:00 pm on the first and third Thursday each month.

locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Doug KM4LKC
 

Keith,

Thanks for sharing this.  Looks like a great idea!

Doug KM4LKC

 Keith K4ROX
Sep 16   

I'm in. I am new in the area, but used to be active in Ares/Races and EOC on the other side. Are you guys utilizing NBEMS here? It would be a good exercise for it. Easy to do with no special equipment and a handheld. Here is some good info, if not.

 

https://pslara.org/docs/36.D.pdf
locked Re: December 5th - Testing the capabilities of the Hand-Held Radio #emcomm #operatingevents

Michael K4YG
 

I can participate.  I have 50W in the car and 5W HT's.


On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 12:41 PM Doug KM4LKC via groups.io <sunburned_fl=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

Charlotte Amateur Radio Society

A Preparation Excercise for an Emergency Radio Communications Drill

This exercise is the first step towards a scenario-based training drill that involves a county-wide simulated emergency.  This simulated emergency includes a loss of regular emergency communications through telephone, cell phones, and internet services.  The drill specifies that radio communications may not utilize any repeater services nor any internet services.

The first phase is to test the capabilities of the hand-held radio and determine their ability to reach a portable VHF/UHF station.  The goals of this exercise are:

  1. Determine the maximum range to complete reliable and effective voice communications of the hand-held radios.

  2. Identify the issues involved in setting up a portable operation for VHF/UHF communications.

  3. Determine the ability of the portable operation to complete reliable communications to a portable command center.

  4. Evaluate the ability of mobile units to augment emergency communications with the portable field centers and the portable command center.

What do we need from the amateur radio community to hold this exercise?

GREEN ZONE - 6 licensed amateur radio operators

  1. One portable operation designated the “GREEN” Station.

    1. Two licensed operators

    2. One dual-band mobile or portable base unit capable of 50 watts on FM

    3. One antenna system with a minimum mast height of 20 feet and a maximum mast height of 25 feet in height.  The antenna can extend above the mast.

    4. All appropriate power, coax, and other support gear including logging supplies.

  2. Four (4) “GREEN” operators with 5-watt hand-held radios

 

BLUE ZONE - 6 licensed amateur radio operators

  1. One portable operation designated the “BLUE” Station.

    1. Two licensed operators

    2. One dual-band mobile or portable base unit capable of 50 watts on FM

    3. One antenna system with a minimum mast height of 20 feet and a maximum mast height of 25 feet in height.  The antenna can extend above the mast.

    4. All appropriate power, coax, and other support gear including logging supplies.

  2. Four (4) “BLUE” operators with 5-watt hand-held radios

RED COMMAND CENTER - 2 licensed amateur radio operators

  1. One portable operation designated the “RED CONTROL” Station.

    1. Two licensed operators

    2. One dual-band mobile or portable base unit capable of 50 watts on FM

    3. One antenna system with a minimum mast height of 20 feet and a maximum mast height of 25 feet in height.  The antenna can extend above the mast.

    4. All appropriate power, coax, and other support gear including logging supplies.


Additional needs - 2 mobile units and one “Big Gun” Base station 

  1. It would be helpful to have two mobile units to participate in the exercise.  We can evaluate the appropriate use of mobile units in an emergency situation.

  2. It would also be nice to have a base station with a tall antenna system to observe and report their findings and thoughts on the exercise.

This is an ambitious excise that requires approximately 14 -17 amateur radio operators to participate in the event.  I suspect we would hold the event on a Saturday morning.  The exercise would begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 12:00 noon.

We have a series of communication tests planned for the event.  We will specify the location of each of the “ZONES” and the frequencies required for operations.  We will test and compare VHF and UHF capabilities.

Let’s see if we can raise enough operators to make the exercise worthwhile.  If so, we can work through the planning issues.  I am guessing we will target mid-November to mid-December for the exercise.

Please post your interest here.

-- 


Doug KM4LKC
Having fun promoting amateur radio technology



--

Michael Epting
Five Star Realty of Charlotte County
1221 - 1240 of 2068