Mountain Amateur Radio Club

Wide Area Net

2010-07-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

COMING SOON!!

Wide Area Net starting Thursday August 5, 2010 at 9:00 pm eastern time. We will be calling the net every Thursday night.

ALL hams are welcome to check in. The net will be called by repeater. We will be asking for Call sign, Name, County, and State (If not in KY.)

Please allow the repeaters to drop before transmitting.

(Please remember to pause a moment before speaking to allow repeaters in the link system to key up – Steve, W4HKL)

Here is a list of the repeaters linked by IRLP. (Reflector 9613)

Jonesville Va. 442.575 + 100 hz

Middlesboro , Ky. 442.325 + 100 hz

Williamsburg, Ky. 444.050 + 100 hz

Shelbyville Ky. 444.050 + 91.5 hz

Oneida, Tn. 145.350 - 77 hz

Additional Ky. repeaters may be linking in for the net.

Hope to hear you on the net.

MIKE SWIGERT

KE4YRI

- forwarded via Henry, WB4IVB

“Secrets” of the Mastr II…..’’

2010-03-20T19:43:00.001-07:00

Everything you wanted to know but where afraid to ask…

Building a Repeater Series… by that repeater dude.

2010-03-20T19:40:00.001-07:00

I’ve looked through his Youtube area, but I don’t see his callsign or name listed….

Connecting an Analog Repeater to a D-Star Repeater via a D-Star mobile radio

2010-03-20T15:34:00.001-07:00

It’s all in the video.

Crossband Repeat

2010-02-27T14:45:00.001-08:00

Tutorial on Crossband repeating : http://www.cvarc.org/tech/crossband.html

A nice video tutorial on setting up a Kenwood rig for XBR.

Building a crossband repeater

Steve, W4HKL

Tennessee Scanner Frequencies

2010-02-21T07:17:00.001-08:00

Tennessee Scanner Frequencies
from N4YEK
www.qsl.net/n4yek

Steve, W4HKL

Orchard City Amateur Radio Club Coax Calculator

2010-02-21T07:13:00.001-08:00

A really great tool to compute coax loss factoring in cable type, SWR, etc…

Link: http://www.ocarc.ca/coax.htm

Steve, W4HKL

LA8OKA's Intermod Calculator

2010-02-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Calculate intermodulation products from 2 and 3 frequencies.

"It can be a tremendous job to calculate the intermodulation products from several frequencies, below is a calculator that calculates the intermodulation product from two and three frequencies."
- LA8OKA

He's got plenty of other of useful amateur radio communication links, articles, and calculators on the rest of his site.

Link: http://www.arcticpeak.com/radiopages/intermodulationproducts.htm

Main: http://www.arcticpeak.com/index.html

Steve, W4HKL

Area Nets

2010-02-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

The 145.470 Group has a listing of local nets sorted by day of the week.

Link: http://www.470arg.com/cms/area_net

Thanks to the admin over there for making it available to us all.

Steve, W4HKL

Installing 220-foot Rohn 45G Tower

2010-02-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Nice pictorial of an amateur and friends installing a 220 foot tower with assistance from a crane...

Link: http://w8ji.com/lifting_rohn_25g_45g_tower.htm

W8JI's main site... a gab-bag of ham info!

Link: http://w8ji.com/

Steve, W4HKL

A positive approach earns Georgia hams some state owned tower space. (ARRL)

2010-02-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

June 1, 2009 marked the culmination of a project that had begun over 2 years earlier. In a truly impressive display of cooperation between federal, state, commercial and ham radio organizations the means to provide timely communication from trained weather spotters in the field back to the NWS in Peachtree City, Georgia has been restored...

Story Link:

http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2010/02/02/11325/

Photos of the the site: http://fcaresrepeaters.tk/

posted by Steve, W4HKL

Video Tutorial - Soldering

2010-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Excellent Tutorial from the Hams at Amateur Logic.

Skip forward to the 27 minute mark to go directly to the soldering segment...

Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBZwaTpJ31E

Steve, W4HKL

Video Tutorial - Installing Amateur Coaxial Connectors

2010-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

The good Hams at Amateur Logic have a great "From The Bench" segment on installing Connectors... including some neat tricks on getting a good bond between the braid and gounded portion of the connector. Skip forward to 29minutes 50 seconds if you want to jump straight to the connector segment.

Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws8C4YZ5eCQ

- Steve, W4HKL

442.325 Repeater Link

2010-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

The Middlesboro/Jonesville repeater is now linked with 444.050 (100Hz) Williamsburg and 444.050 (100Hz) Shelbyville, Ky with coverage into Louisville, and just across the Ohio River into Indiana. Williamsburg also hosts 52.07/53.07 and a 2 Meter simplex link for McCreary County.

Jonesville currently has some issues, but those will be addressed when weather/time permits.

Williamsburg to Shelbyville....IRLP via Reflector
WB4IVB to System........IRLP via Reflector
Middlesboro to WB4IVB Corbin......RF Link
Middlesboro to Jonesville......RF Link

Note above: For example, if 444.050 in Williamsburg was off the air, Middlesboro would still be linked to Shelbyville 444.050 via IRLP via the Michigan Reflector and vice-versa.

The system will use radio rf links and IRLP (NOT ECHOLINK) via the internet. As some of you know, I was the first IRLP node in the state Ky, about seven years ago. I have had a ton of fun listening and talking all over the US and several other countries.

I have decided to use my node/radio to link 442.325 into these other repeaters on a full time basis. The Reflector that will host our IRLP links is located in Michigan. Since the Reflector is "Open" to any IRLP station, there may be any number of repeaters or simplex nodes connected at any given time. My experience this week has been that there are some nodes that will link for a couple of hours, then disconnect the link. But, I will keep my link on 24/7 except for maint/updates.

Feel free to use the system. One thing to keep in mind is that there are some delays with all the switching/audio processing that is taking place. I try to key the mic, and pause a second, keeping the mic keyed, before talking. If you "quick-key" the first word or so, can be lost. However, it okay to pause a some point, giving other stations a chance to drop in, but do not get into the habit of letting the entire system drop on every transmission. That just adds to the delay time. If you don't like to pause after you key your mic, then key, and give your callsign, and then continue with your conversation. If two stations are using the same repeater, then they will not see any reason to do this, but keep in mind someone else in another city may miss your first word or so.

This system is also linked to the Frankfort, Ky Emergency Operations Center. The EOC may contact you for weather or other related info. Frankfort is working on a City/Repeater coverage map, and will probably be working on some nets to get a idea of the coverage.

Do not be intimidated by the system being linked. Use it........There will be small talk, coffee meeting runs, and general ham fun. There are a lot of fairly new hams on this system.

My repeater 444.900 in Corbin will not be added into the system at this time. I feel that between 444.050 and 442.325 the coverage will overlap. I may link in at times, with additional links for nets/emergencies.

Henry
WB4IVB

KB5WCK Antenna Calculators

2010-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Design Your Own Antennas

Design your own antennas with the online antenna calculators thoughtfully provided by KB5WCK.

http://kb5wck.com/antenna_calcs.php

Tennessee Phone Net Schedule

2010-01-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.tnarrl.org/bm/tnpn.htm

Tennessee Phone Net
3980 kHz

The Tennessee Phone Net meets at the following times
(all times are Central)

Weekday Schedule

	5:40 AM Net Control Station	6:45 AM Net Control Station	6:30 PM Net Control Station
Monday	Larry - WB4NCW	Andy - W4SQE	David - WA4VVX
Tuesday	Larry - WB4NCW	Greg - K4KO	Wylodean - WA4HKU
Wednesday	Larry - WB4NCW	Larry - WB4NCW	Jerry - KB4VEL
Thursday	Tom - K4CMY	Terry - W4SYE
Friday	Larry - WB4NCW	Larry - WB4NCW	Jerry - KB4VEL

NOTE: The Monday evening Net is a combined TN ARES Net and TN Phone Net
.

Weekend Schedule

	8:00 AM Net Control Station	6:30 PM Net Control Station
Saturday	David - WA4VVX	Jerry - KB4VEL
Sunday	Larry - WB4NCW	NO NET

Holiday Schedule

	8:00 AM Net Control Station	NO EVENING NET
Monday	Andy - W4SQE	-
Tuesday	Greg - K4KO	-
Wednesday	Larry - WB4NCW	-
Thursday	Terry - W4SYE	-
Friday	Larry - WB4NCW	-
Saturday	David - WA4VVX	-
Sunday	Larry - WB4NCW	-

.

If you would like to help with the TN Phone Net, please contact one of the following:

Manager for the early morning session: Larry Marshall - WB4NCW at
Net Manager for the morning session: Larry Marshall - WB4NCW at
Net Manager for the evening session: Larry Marshall - WB4NCW at

Army MARS becomes... Army MARS

2009-12-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

MARS Gets New Name As It Fine Tunes Mission

Link on ARRL:

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/12/24/11267/?nc=1

Cool Amateur Website.

2009-03-14T12:07:00.001-07:00

Click on the logo to go to the main site.

Very nice site illustrating a very cool multi-repeater set up.

Click on the picture below to go to their picture gallery.

Local Coverage Maps

2008-12-30T07:49:00.001-08:00

A few months ago, I put up an article concerning some software that would generate coverage maps given a site's coordinates and elevation. It works in conjunction with NASA radar terrain maps of the Earth and seems to be pretty accurate.

(Article Link HERE. )

Anyway, football season was in full-swing so I promptly forgot about it during my 60 and 70 hour weeks. Last night I finally sat down and figured out how to get it to work. The maps below are my first attempt using the software (free to download, btw) and judging from what I've seen it so, I'm only scratching the surface of it's capabilities. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

Below is a screen capture of the general area generated in Google Maps to aid in locating towns. The NASA terrain data contains no landmarks in the final output except for detail on the topo map itself. Click on any picture to see it at full resolution.

Area Map from Google

First, i decided to use an existing site to judge if the coverage map agreed with what I have experienced using the repeaters located there. I decided the best comparison would be to compare the 442.325 repeater with the 443.950 repeater.

The .325 antenna is approx 12 Dbi and is located at 3000 feet. The .950 antenna is approx 5 Dbi and is located about 70 feet lower on the tower. The .325 is running at approx 75 watts output while the .950 is running at approx 15 watts. Below are the respective coverage maps - which seem to represent the different coverage areas accurately for each.

The .325 coverage map

The .950 coverage map

Given the differences in output power, antenna gain, and antenna height, the coverage maps seem to be consistent with real-world performance. Later in the week, I plan on generating coverage maps for the existing 220 machine and hypothetical 2 meter and 6 meter machines.

The next step was to apply this to the proposed River Hill Site which is currently in the planning stages (the repeater components are 99% together awaiting a few cables and the EPROM for the remote base interface.)

The initial power for the UHF repeater will be ten watts. If the power can be increased without detriment to our host's UHF telemetry links, then that will be looked into.

Proposed River Hill UHF Repeater Coverage Map (10 Dbi antenna @ 10 watts)

Detail of UHF coverage @ 10 watts

Wide view of UHF coverage @ 50 watts

Remote base 2 meter coverage. Notice the enhanced coverage @ VHF even with a less efficient antenna. The 2 meter remote base will provide better coverage into the southern and western areas of Claiborne County at lower power.

While the River Hill Site is mostly redundant to coverage that is enjoyed by .325 or could be gained by .950, the physical security of the site and thus the ability to pursue battery back-up and possible solar charging solutions make it worth the effort. By enabling the River Hill repeater with frequency agile remote base/link radios which are DTMF controllable, it can easily be linked temporarily to any wide coverage repeater in the area on 2 meters, 220, or 440.

Steve, W4HKL

---------------------

A few more Maps

White Oak.

Here is the coverage pattern for the 220Mhz repeater. I went with 10 watts output into a 7 Dbi antenna to get this... I'm not sure of the actual output of the repeater, antenna, etc, but this map seems to match the coverage I get from the repeater.

Here is the coverage map for a 144 Mhz repeater running 50 watts into a 10 Dbi antenna.

Finally, here's the coverage map for a 6 meter "repeater" (read remote base) running 25 watts into a 10 Dbi antenna. I should have reduced the antenna gain by at least half... but you get the picture.

Speedwell (Clairfield Fire Dept. Tower)

Speedwell is an interesting site. Little Pinnacle pretty screens -off Middlesboro and the Gap... but the coverage across Claiborne County is pretty good considering.

10 watts and 5 Dbi mobile whip do pretty good.

Leaving it at 10 watts but switching to a decent 10 Dbi base antenna really increases saturation.

What the heck... add a 100 watt Mirage amp inline and you get this. Nice... but not as much an improvement as you might think.

CUGA - aka the Pinnacle

The Park Service has a UHF repeater not far from the Pinnacle Overlook. I was able to get pretty close using the NASA topo data... here's what the program predicts.

Here's 10 watts into a 5 Dbi mobile whip. Stealth might be an issue since it's the Park... Not bad coverage for Claiborne Co. Note how the Speedwell site is comparable.

This is 10 watts with a 10 Dbi antenna.

Putting 100 watts into the mix seems to help outlying regions more than anything else.

Cumberland Gap (my QTH)

Here's 35 watts UHF into an 8 Dbi antenna from "the Hole." Never bitch about my signal again. Nuff said.

**note

I'll get coverage maps up for other repeaters if I can get GPS coordnates and approx heights... Pineville would be especially nice to have. Maps I plan on generating are:

2 meter Pineville

10 meter split site repeater (White Oak / Pineville)

Local Repeater News

2008-07-24T15:36:00.001-07:00

August 3, 2008

The 442.325 (+) (T 100 Hz) Middlesboro Repeater should be back on the air by late next week. The Jonesville Virginia machine, 442.575 (+) (T100 Hz), should also be up and running as well. The 443.950 machine will come down for several weeks to have it's tone board installed (T 100Hz) and have the two cooling fans mounted to the power amplifier heatsink. The 950 machine will go back up for more testing at a later date but don't forget to add the 100 Hertz tone when it does!

Also, please remember the Pinevile 146.835 (+ PLUS OFFSET) (Tone 100Hz) is up and on the air and is providing good local coverage for Bell County, Kentucky. If you need a repeater to get you from Middlesboro to Pinevile and as far North as Corbin... or perhaps fromPine3ville to Harlan... then the .835 is what you need.

Below is the 443.950 backup repeater and it's duplexer. The HT is shown for scale.

Another shot of the .950 - "the little repeater that could!"

Steve, W4HKL

Field Day 2008

2008-07-01T14:00:00.001-07:00

Below are some pictures from the MARC Field Day for 2008.

KI4QIS and NM4H

One of several wire antennas placed with the help of KF4GXQ's launcher.

W4TEY makes a contact.

Another antenna!

W2RAR and N4TOF sadly inform new ham Aaron, KJ4DFQ, that he must be at least "this tall" to participate in Field Day!

W2RAR looks on.

N4TOF and his flip-up shades.

The operating position of W2RAR and NX6R.

The operating position of W4HKL.

W4HKL. "CQ Repeater!"

Hamstick Dipole on the bottom (80 or 40 meters) with a separate 20 thru 10 meter vertical whip on the top. W4HKL's "Appalachian Buddipole" or the "HillbillyPole."

Apologies to WC4V, KF4GXQ, and NX6R for not getting them in any shots. Next year, guys!

- W4HKL

Coverage Maps

2008-06-06T13:07:00.001-07:00

I've got to head out, but here's a link to a site that allows you to use hi-res Nasa radar topo imagery to create signal coverage maps of your area. More later, but here's a quick sample:

Radio Mobile Freeware by VE2DBE

The KF4JVI Solar Powered Repeater

2008-06-06T12:58:00.001-07:00

The KF4JVI Solar Powered Repeater in Polk County, NC is pretty much a prototype of what I'd like to do with the 443.950 repeater with regard to the power system. After looking at their very nice web page, I was impressed.

The KF4JVI Solar Powered Repeater

New Low-Profile 440 Repeater On The Air

2008-05-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

Ed, Yeary, W4TEY, is currently hosting the W4HKL 443.950 repeater (positive offset - no tone) atop his tower for the time being.

The repeater consists of a GE Mastr Exec II converted by Henry Hamblin, WB4IVB. My advice, if you are looking for a clean repeater build that works right the first time, is to contact Henry and see when he could build up a repeater to your specs.

The W4HKL repeater consists of components similar to the ones pictured below:

GE Mastr Exec II Mobile Repeater Prior To Conversion

Duplexers Similar To The Ones Used On 443.95

I'll have pics up of the actual finished setup when I get everything mounted in it's travel case. the 443.950 repeater is meant to provide HT quality coverage for most of North Claiborne County with the addition of Middlesboro and Rose Hill, VA as well. Coverage is approximately from Speedwell to Rose Hill... and from the Pilot north of Middlesboro to just south of Dogwood Heights (before heading down the hill into Tazewell.

Battery backup is planned in the upcoming months.

It is hoped that a site covering the majority of Claiborne County will eventually be located... or that a second repeater can be linked to 443.950 which will provide combined county-wide coverage. Should a suitable site in Claiborne Co. not be available, the repeater may become coordinated for White Oak Mountain in Middlesboro Kentucky - perhaps using a pair of phased Yagis to deliver more concentrated coverage into North Claiborne County and Powell Valley.

Testing of this repeater has commenced on 5/29/08. Initially, the repeater will be turned of between the approximate hours of 11:30 pm and 8:00 am until a dedicated repeater antenna can be mounted which will hopefully eliminate the current disruption of W4TEY's nightime scanner listening!

W4HKL

Fresh From WC4V Labs...

2008-05-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

Radio/antenna setup for W4HKL repeater from WC4V QTH

Submitted by Stephen Vaughn, WC4V

The Ultimate Backup Power Solution...?

2008-05-29T07:23:00.001-07:00

But will it fit in Mike's truck so we can get it up on White Oak???

The Hyperion Power Generation "nuclear battery" is a self contained, automated, liquid metal nuclear reactor.

What Kind Of Antennas To Use On Field Day?

2008-05-15T04:04:00.001-07:00

What kind of antennas do YOU plan to hoist skyward in the wee hours of June 28?

It Will Be Here Before You Know It!

2008-04-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

Field Day

June 28-29, 2008

One more thing for today...

2008-04-01T20:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, I knew this day would finally come.

I think my next operating system should be Kubuntu. Linux. The Big Unknown. The ultimate Geek thrill-ride.

As I sit now... carefully jotting down website URLs and passwords... backing up cookies and email... address books and documents in preparation (H?) of reinstalling Windows XP (hey, this install lasted almost 2 years before it got so crudded-up that my boot-up takes almost 7 minutes (!), my mouse pointer is prone to random lock-ups lasting 5-10 seconds at a time... and other strange and odd operating system hiccups.)

Before you chime in and tell me to clean-the-registry-scan-for-a-virus peek-for-spyware, malware, or rootkits or what-have-you, I will go ahead and tell you that I have been there, done that, bought the tee shirt, and sold the mother on Ebay. Besides, I've pretty much determined the source of the problem anyway.

A conflict between a signed mouse or keyboard driver and an update from Microsoft itself.

Ironic.

Anyway, Kubuntu, or Ubuntu will be difficult, hard to learn, and probably a pain in the ass. But at least it will be a new and different pain in the ass. Unlike windows... the penultimate "same-old same-old" of pains in the ass.

In fact, I'm actually excited at the prospect. Sorta like when I moved from Dos to windows 3.11... or saw OS2 surf the net AND format a floppy drive at the same time (Gasp!) without the whole damned computer locking-up for about a minute - a feat which NO version of windows ever managed to do. This is exactly why I believe we no longer have either OS2 OR floppy drives... a coincidence... or a Microsoft conspiracy? YOU make the call.

Actually, after seeing this masterfully re-edited Mac ad, I almost want to get one.

Almost.

Have a great April 2nd...

Steve, W4HKL

East Tennessee Repeaters Threatened By Pave/Paws Radar!!!

2008-04-01T11:33:00.001-07:00

***************
The ARLL Letter
Vol. 01, No. 01
April 01, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + TN Hams Expecting Worst... Pave/Paws Radar Site Proposed
* + Threatens All East TN 2meter/440 Repeaters
* + W1WA Endowment Fund Drive 
* + Two New Instructors Join the Teachers Institute Team 
* + FCC Fines Colorado Company for Selling "Non-Certified Citizens Band
(CB) Transceivers, Leen-Yers"  
* + ARLL President Appointed to Arkansas State Board 
*  Solar Update 
*  IN BRIEF: 
      This Weekend on the Radio 
      ARLL Continuing Education Course Registration 
    + "Hints and Kinks" 
      Communications Academy Set for April 
      Notes from the DXCC Desk 
      Corrections and Clarifications 

+Available on ARLL Audio News

More info to come!!!!!

UPDATE!!!

As many surmised, this was an April Fools Prank perpetrated by those guys at the A.R.L.L. (Amateur Radio Licensed Lunatics)

Below is the email that also went out...

Proposed Pave/Paws Radar Site to "take-out" East TN 2 meter/440 repeaters...

All 440 repeaters and most 2 meter repeaters in the upper East Tennessee area to possibly be taken off the air due to new Air Force Missile Defense System geared to protect Oak Ridge and Neyland Stadium

More to come...

- W4HKL

***************
The ARLL Letter
Vol. 01, No. 01
April 01, 2008
***************

"By Hams...  For Hams."
 
IN THIS EDITION:

* + TN Hams Expecting Worst - Pave/Paws Radar Site Proposed for Sharps Ridge
* + Threatens All East TN 2 meter/440 Repeaters... 220 expected to be spared
* + W1WA Endowment Fund Drive 
* + Two New Instructors Join the Teachers Institute Team 
* + FCC Fines Colorado Company for Selling "Non-Certified Citizens Band
(CB) Transceivers, Leen-yers" 
* + ARLL President Appointed to Arkansas State Board 
*  Solar Update 
*  IN BRIEF: 
      This Weekend on the Radio 
      ARLL Continuing Education Course Registration 
    + "Hints and Kinks" 
      Communications Academy Set for April
      Notes from the DXCC Desk
      220 to become "band of choice" for East Tennessee Amateurs
      Sales of 220 rigs brisk in East Tn says HRO manager Gern Blanson
      "Just use 220...?  That's @#$% great," states local ham Ed Yeary, W4TEY 
      Corrections and Clarifications
+Available on ARLL Audio News

MARC meeting 4/1/2008, 6:00 pm

2008-04-01T04:36:00.001-07:00

The meeting is at Shades of Brown coffee house on Cumberland Ave., Middlesboro, KY.

Everyone please attend. We will be having a test session beginning at 6 PM. Also several of us will be eating at Chinatown in the mall at 4 PM if any of you wish to join us for dinner.

Ed Yeary W4TEY
325 Cumberland Drive
Harrogate, TN. 37752

Directions to Shades of Brown Coffee House

View Larger Map

Amateur Radio Mobile Installation

2008-03-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Photo linked to from KE4WMF's site.

Everything you ever wanted to know about mobile HF but were afraid to ask.

K0BG's mobile HF site. It really is that good.

W4HH's detailed mobile installation. (Joe, I keep accidentally running across you on Google searches since chatting with you as you passed through the area a few weeks ago!)

... got to run - more later.

-- Steve, W4HKL

Antennas!

2008-03-12T06:25:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air... for us Amateurs, that can only mean one thing...

(la amour...? Nah!)

ANTENNAS!!

2E0HTS Using 6BTV As A (stationary) Mobile Antenna

How NOT to put up an antenna...!

ROHN 25G CRANK UP

part 2... (not it's not all excitement)

Tower climber

Amateur Station W4HKL

2008-03-06T13:44:00.001-08:00

Below are some pictures of the W4HKL station.

A Plano plastic shelf was spray-painted to match the furniture of the living room. Over time, a few shelves and mounting brackets, etc., have been added.

Across the top you can see a pair of Motorola extension speakers and a couple of others that the VHF/UHF and scanner are routed through. I use an Icom SP-3 station speaker for HF audio. I have recently "discovered" HF digital (PSK-31) and the Buxcomm Rascal radio to soundcard interface is draped beside the SB-200.

To the left is my first radio, an Alinco DJ-180 HT which served as my portable, my mobile, and my base on 2 meters through my college years. There is one of two Radio Shack FRS HT's behind it. Scanning is provided with a RS Pro-2035. From left to right is a Kenwood TM-441A, and Alinco DR-235, and an Alinco DR-135. Below those three VHF/UHF rigs is a Gap "Hear-It" DSP module, an Alinco DX-70, and a LDG AT 100 Pro autotuner. The LDG serves double-duty in the mobile as well. The SB 200 amplifier is in great shape, and I'm working on the funds to get a tuner that will handle it. Power is supplied by two Alinco DM-330 32 amp switching power supplies.

The the Kenwood and 2 Alincos are fed into a Diamond triplexer which in turn feeds a a Comet CX-333 2m/220/440 vertical on the roof. HF antenna duties are performed by a 160 meter loop strung through the trees at an average height of aprox. 20 feet. As a cloudburner, it works great 160-40, but on 20 on up the lowering angle of attack exhibited by large loops in those bands works against me here down in the Gap. An Antron 99 vertical is also used for 10-17 meters if the loop isn't getting it done. A RS discone antenna is used for scanning and is also a back-up vhf/uhf as well.

The author - no doubt calling "CQ Repeater!"

If you would like to share photos of your station, mobile set-up, antennas, or amateur project, sent a write-up and photos to mountain.amateur.radio.club@gmail.com or to w4hkl@live.com and I'll see it's published ASAP.

PSK: Phase-Shift Keying

2008-02-21T11:27:00.001-08:00

Digital modes shouldn't be ignored... especially during an emergency. Today's focus is PSK.

What is PSK?

Resources:

The "Official" PSK31 Homepage psk31.com

psk31.org

PSK for Beginners (ARRL)

Buxcomm Packet Radio Resources

Equipment:

NUE-PSK Digital Modem A digital modem for PSK31 field operation ... without using a PC

Powerpoint Presentation on setting up a PSK station

Putting together a PSK station (PDF)

One Operator's PSK31 Station (ARRL)

Mobile PSK31 setup of KI4ETJ

Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Demo

Operating PSK on H.F by K7AGE

Soundcard Interfacing

Introduction to PSK31 - Receiving

PSK31 Transmitter Level Adjustment

PSK31 - Operating

More PSK31 Operating...

2W0RMR Demonstrating PSK31 with Ham Radio Deluxe using Vista on 30 meters

Finally, Decoding PSK31 on a Pocket PC using PocketDigi

One Amateur's Take on the State of EComm

2008-02-21T11:04:00.001-08:00

Article is HERE on EHam.

"Each and every time I have been rebuked by these agencies we seek to help..."

"...we are in the forefront of the City of Worcester's Emergency plans, and not an afterthought."

Below are a few excerpts from the comments section:

"A Big-Bellied Boss Man gets his jollies from brow beating volunteers who just want to help. It's a real turn off and many will not return to help after their first venture."

"Using repeaters for ECM work is OK if the damage is light, but for big disasters, they are useless with out power... ECM work should include data transmission on HF using PSK. No one wants to do this because most of the volunteers are technician class who use 2 meters primarily. "

"Having sat in on a couple of EC planning meetings, the situation would be comical if it wasn't so pathetic."

"There is only one real reason why Amateur Radio shines in emergencies: We are there before, during, and after the emergency."

"We are the problem. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to accept that showing up for some training event is nice, but showing up for the real events is mandatory if we want them to depend on us. "

"Let the ignorant SOB's die in the cold darkness."

"...after being the ARES EC in my county for 4 years, I am completely burned out...

My group showed up with Orange vests, one had a yellow light bar oh his truck, 3 or 4 HT's, and not knowing how to operate them... It doesn't project a very positive image.

....I have better equipment than the EOC has, and better array of antennas, including emergency backup antennas in my attic. Hole house generator backup power that will run the house for up to 2 weeks, plenty of battery backup as well. I can stay home, manage my own affairs, take care of my wife and our animals, not have to sleep on the floor in the EOC, and still work emergency traffic...

...Let you group be known, but let them come to you, and they will, when the sh*t really hits the fan, but as long as they have ANY communications, you are wasting your time. You know Ham radio has a saying..." When ALL else fails..there is Amateur radio!" The key word there is "ALL". Trust me, when "ALL" fails they will welcome you with open arms..."

Everything You Wanted to Know About APRS But Were Afraid To Ask

2008-02-18T06:31:00.001-08:00

VE6MVP's Beginner's Guide

The previous episodes are in the Archives section.

K0KTY Demonstrating APRS

W6GPD Demos APRS Tactical Mode

KC0KEP's Presentation on APRS Parts 1-7

Awesome series of articles by Bob Bruniga, WB4APR

This. Must. Be. Seen.

2008-02-14T13:04:00.001-08:00

I have no idea what this has to do with Amateur Radio except that I've yet to find a geek that didn't think "the Shat" was cool.

I give you...

Shatner's Seven

you know you can't stop with just one...

You have a product?? Well, "the Shat" SELLS, Baby!!!!

The 12 Volt Side of Life

2008-02-12T08:05:00.001-08:00

Most Amateur equipment runs off 12 Volts (well, 13.8) so reviewing how to make an installation safe and reliable might not be a bad idea.

How To Wire A Car Safely

---

http://revision3.com/systm/juice

The 12 Volt News (info on all things 12 Volt)

Nice Article on Batteries and the Power Systems They Run

The 12 Volt Shop

How Batteries Work

Wire Gauge and Current Limits

NASA Crimping, Interconnecting Cables, Harnesses, and Wiring Technical Standard (PDF)

NASA Space Flight Hardware Workmanship Standards Page

What we're trying to avoid.

U.T. Amateur Radio Club Involved With A Neat-O Project

2008-02-11T13:25:00.001-08:00

"A frantic call at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, alerts the core members of the UT Amateur Radio Club (UTARC) that, yes, the jet stream has dipped south..."

Link to story:

Local Inventors race against time and weather to send the spirit of Knoxville across the globe in a ballooning adventure.

A Few Good Links

2008-02-11T08:47:00.001-08:00

Here are a few links for the discriminating Amateur Operator.

Commercial Rig Info Plus A Lot More

WWW.REPEATER-BUILDER.COM

www.greenecountycommunications.com

www.bridgemancommunications.com

The Radio Information Board

Don't Taze Me, Bro!

2007-11-20T06:37:00.001-08:00

Electrical Safety

"PS -- don't play with electricity while you're home alone: you can't dial 911 if you've managed to stop your heart." - Systm

First, let's begin with a wee bit o' sensationalism to get the attention focused...

500kV Electric Discharge at Power Station

Power Transformers Blowing on Live TV

Arcing

Switch Opening Hot; More Arcing

Workman Inadvertently Touches Hot Circuit With Screwdriver

Arc Flash Accident Caught on Video

Arc Flash Accident Victim Discusses Accident and Recovery

Below are some links concerning electricity, it's safe usage, and what it can do to your body.

Southern California Edison: Electric Safety for Amateur Radio Operators

Metal Ladders and Electricity Don't Mix

Electrical Safety On The Jobsite: ElectricTV.net

Electrical Safety Video

OSHA Quick Card (PDF Link) Electric Safety

In the "It Doesn't Take Much Category: "50 mA to 100 mA : Ventricular fibrillation - a heart condition that can result in death - is possible." - on chart at www.elec-toolbox.com

Electrical Safety Publications; US Consumer Product Safety Commission (Many links - lot's of info

The Perfect Vehicle for Your New Yaesu FT-8970

2007-11-20T05:22:00.001-08:00

Ahhh... the fresh scent of a new FT-8970. But where to install it? Your new Goldwing? Nah!

I've found something better.

Here IT is....

...the RIPSAW. For the times when a regular 4-Wheeler won't do.

Video of the RIPSAW in action. I think a 102" whip antenna is the only thing lacking.

D Star

2007-11-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Just what is D-Star??
D-STAR stands for Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio.

D-STAR introduction (Icom)

Cecil (WD6FZA) introduces D-Star to PARC

D-Star Demonstrations at Palomar ARC 11-07-07

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) using D-STAR

More Grounding Hints...

2007-10-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more links to help understand what does and does not constitute good grounding at the shack...

Assorted Grounding Hints and Kinks and Technical Correspondence
-- ARRL Technical Information Service Page

Lightning Protection for the Amateur Radio Station -- Part 1 (QST PDF)
Lightning Protection for the Amateur Radio Station -- Part 2 (QST PDF)
Lightning Protection for the Amateur Radio Station -- Part 3 (QST PDF)

DOD MIL-HDBK-419A (29 Dec 87) Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding for Electronic Equipments and Facilities (PDF File... 817 pages worth)

Choices and consequences of station lightning protection (article)

www.polyphaser.com

more links to come soon...

Steve, W4HKL

Grounding Hints...

2007-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

W8JI's Station Ground...

Check out this Central Florida Ham's grounding system (put in place after a disasterous lightning strike.)

How does your shack stack up??

Steve W4HKL

Hustler/Hamstick Vertical Update

2007-10-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

"Since publication of my original article on construction of a Hustler/Hamstick vertical dipole, in the June 2006 issue of CQ magazine, I continue to receive e-mail queries concerning construction, mounting and tuning of this antenna. For those of you who have not seen the article, some overview would seem appropriate..." - Hugh R. Paul, W6POK

Great article which has been reposted on Eham.com. I know for a fact that Hugh replies personally to requests for his article - he sent it to me a few months ago. - Steve, W4HKL

Link to his article on Eham.com

Strange Fluke Multimeter Ad

2007-10-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the link...

http://assets.fluke.com/Demos/FlukeBLS/FlukeBLS.html

Tsunami Ham Radio

2007-10-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

CNN story detailing how Amateurs helped during the Tsunami Disaster.

(note: the video is incomplete and freezes before it is finished.)

Proof That Amateur Radio Is "Bad!!"

2007-10-03T06:25:00.001-07:00

Clip from the old Twilight Zone...

"Those men seem so... threatening!"

...and here's the inevitable neighborhood mob all amateurs must face!

PSK31

2007-10-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

I found some very nice PSK31 tutorial videos on Youtube and thought I would put up a quick link to them.

Steve, W4HKL
---

Intro to PSK31

PSK31 on 20 meters

Sound Card Interfacing

---
Digipan PSK31 Page

MARC Meeting; 10/02/2007

2007-10-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

MARC meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) night at Leroy's, (KF4GXQ.)

Leroy lives just before 30th street on the left in Middlesboro. He has a tower and a parking meter in his driveway. Hard to miss. Parking in the medical center catty corner to him through the red light on the right.

Meeting starts at 6PM . Be there or you won't be anywhere.

Ed W4TEY

Addendum:

Yes we met at Leroy's... and here's the proof!

Never a dull moment

Down to business

Ten-Tec Hamfest is HUGE!!!

2007-10-02T12:14:00.001-07:00

Well... perhaps "HUGE" is too strong a word when compared to Dayton and Shelby... but it definitely was a great place to spend an afternoon pawing through rows and rows of great "previously-owned amateur equipment!"

A few amateurs strike up a conversation

Things are starting to get underway

Jack, N4TOF, signs in on 147.555

Yes, this unnamed amateur is "getting his Geek on" at Ten-Tec next to W4HKL

Hmmm... where can I get one of those hats??

Eric, N5QNQ, and Ed, W4TEY, take a break

Steve, WC4V, was on the scene as well

Steve, W4HKL

Chattanooga Hamfest

2007-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

October 27....

http://www.hamfestchattanooga.org/

See info on the flyers below.

8th annual TEN-TEC Factory Hamfest

2007-09-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

(Reposted from the Ten-Tec Website)

The 8th annual TEN-TEC Factory HamfestFri. Sept. 28 and Sat. Sept. 29, 2007!

Welcome hams from around the country to the 8th annual Ten-Tec factory hamfest! Discounts on used Ten-Tec ham radio equipment, promotional giveaways on new gear! Door prizes! Tour of the Ten-Tec factory! Meet the Ten-Tec factory representatives! 4 HF stations will be simultaneously on the air to try out the latest equipment. License testing at 1:00 Saturday afternoon. Bencher/Ten-Tec Friday night CW copying contest, 7:00 p.m., hosted by Willard Sitton, W4HZD. Winner takes home a new Bencher iambic paddle.

When:Friday 9/28/07 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.Saturday 9/29/07 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where:Ten-Tec, Inc., 1185 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. We are 2 1/2 miles east of downtown Sevierville on highway 411 north, across the street from Sevier County High School.

Admission:FREE admission and FREE tailgating. Tailgating Saturday only.
Tailgating:Tennessee's largest tailgating session! Tailgating in the rear parking lot and grass areas behind the Ten-Tec building. Tailgating setup begins 7:00 Saturday morning. BYO tables + chairs. NO COMPUTER OR NON-HAM RADIO VENDORS - amateur radio items or related electronics only.

Events:Sale on Ten-Tec gear Friday and Saturday. Friday night CW copying contest, 7:00 p.m.License exams 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Sign up by 12:30 p.m.Factory tours every 20 minutes Friday and Saturday - sign up inside the tent Door prizes Friday and Saturday Complimentary snacks and drinks Friday night.

Where To Stay:Sevierville and Sevier County are a heavily traveled tourist area. There are some 140 hotels and motels within 15 miles of Ten-Tec. The official show hotel for the Ten-Tec Hamfest and the SEDCO DX and Contest Conference (see below) is Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, TN, 6 miles south of the Ten-Tec factory. A special room rate has been blocked off for attendees. Reserve under rate code SEDCO for either or both Friday and Saturday nights by calling (865) 428-8350 or toll free (888) 428-8350. Ask to speak with DAN SANDLIN. Dan is handling the Ten-Tec/SEDCO reservations. If he is not available, leave a message and he will call you back.

No overnight camping or overnight parking at Ten-Tec. We will have 24 hour security and will ask you to move your vehicle.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also on Saturday, September 29th - after the Ten-Tec Hamfest, the fun continues into the evening with the 3rd annual SEDCO DX and Contest Conference, to be held at Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, TN. This event is separate from the Ten-Tec hamfest and is sponsored and organized by SEDCO (Southeastern DXers and Contesters) and is being run as a NON-PROFIT event by W4NL, KA4S, and W4UWC. Ten-Tec and DX Publishing - publishers of DX Magazine - are providing support and endorsing the event. Tickets can be ordered below - available now!
What:3rd annual SEDCO DX and Contest Conference
When:Saturday, 9/29/07 afternoon + 1.5 hour dinner break + evening presentations. See SEDCO website.
Where:Mainstay Suites, 410 Pine Mountain Rd., Pigeon Forge, TN. (888) 428-8350 to reserve using rate code SEDCO for Friday and/or Saturday nights - ask to speak with DAN SANDLIN. Rooms are available at both Mainstay Suites and the Western Plaza. The conference will be held in the Suites' ballroom with full AV projection and audio equipment for presentations.
Cost:Tickets for the SEDCO 2007 event are $ 25.00. An on-site buffet dinner will be held during the conference dinner break and will host approximately 150 people. Dinner tickets separate from the event ticket are also available in advance at $ 25.00. You can purchase an event ticket, dinner ticket or both below. You can buy dinner tickets without an event ticket and vice versa. The 2006 dinner was sold out in advance; we recommend advance purchase. No refunds on advance ticket sales.Event details: See the SEDCO website at www.sedco.homestead.comTickets: Updated 9/26 -- tickets for the event will be available at the door. Tickets for the dinner may be available, but this was close to sold out as of today. Contact w4nl@charter.net or check at MainStay Suites on Saturday 9/29.

Antennas Are Up

2007-09-23T13:50:00.001-07:00

Some pics of the antenna crew at the Pineville site a few weeks ago.

Steve

W4HKL

Special thanks to Mark for his tower work!

Future Plans For 440

2007-08-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

The following was sent by Mike, Wm4MD.

Jonesville is as follows: 442.525 + t.100 and is/will be in band linked to M’boro 442.325 + t.67 and will be linked to Pineville 444.150 + t.100, and 444.900 + t.100 Corbin and the capability of direct link to the new Pineville repeater. 442.325 is the hub link in the system with Corbin also capable of being the hub link if 442.325 goes down for any reason, that is, when I get the link radio out of the back seat of my truck and on the mountain.

I might add that none of this would be possible without the help to the club and the local hams of Henry WB4IVB the, “ Master repeater builder”.

Mike (WM4MD)

I decided to go ahead and post this "as-is" so it wouldn't get "garbled in transmission." Thanks, Mike!

Steve
W4HKL

Local Nets

2007-08-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

VHF/UHF

The East Tennessee Radio Traders Net
Thursdays @ 9 P.M. on 146.625 (-) (T 100)

Claiborne County ARES
Tuesdays @ 8 P.M. on 147.360 (+)

HF

METERS 10m/2m
Sundays at 10 P.M. on 28.420/146.940 (-)

Another Trip To The Repeater Site

2007-08-16T14:40:00.001-07:00

Some more work was done at the Pineville site today. Things are definitely coming together.

The K.U. Crew is getting the power on.

Ed, W4TEY and Steve, Wc4V found many repeaters in the TN/KY/VA area can be brought up on a couple of watts.

Mike, WM4MD and Henry, WB4IVB, survey the tower.

The top of the tower.

Yep, it's a tall one.

Goup Picture Time:

W4HKL, KG4GXQ (Leroy), WB4IVB, W4TEY, WC4V, and WM4MD

Ed signals that Amateur Radio is Number One in his book!

W4HKL

Pineville Repeater Site

2007-08-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Pineville Repeater Site is almost ready... preperations are underway and the big day is getting close at hand.

Pictures by WM4MD

Steve

W4HKL

Building The List

2007-08-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

We need a list of the area amateurs and thier email addresses. Just a test list submitted to mountain.amateur.radio.club@gmail.com will be enough.

My current list is pretty sparse, but I'm going with it until a better on comes along.

Steve,
W4HKL

Message Board Is Up - Updated!

2007-08-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

I got the board up and have created a few fairly generic sub-boards concerning different topics. Feel free to pick up the ball and run with it!

M.A.R.C. Forums

One thing you will notice is that you have to register (for the Message Forum only - you do not have to register to read or leave comments here) You will need to become a member of the board before you can access it.

This is a real pain-in-the-butt but it is necessary for one reason: SPAM.

Spambots can totally wreck a message board... and registering those who post there is the first step in keeping our forums free of "herbal viagra" ads.

Steve
W4HKL

Forums...

2007-08-10T11:40:00.001-07:00

I just set us up for a message forum. It's not ready yet, but it will be up by late Monday afternoon.

Steve, W4HKL

Local Repeaters + Simplex Frequencies

2007-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Corbin
147.180 (+)
444.900 (+) (T 100)
444.275 (+) (T 79.7)

Pineville
146.835 (+) (T 100)

Middlesboro
442.325 (+) (T 100)
224.120 (-) (T 100)
443.950 (+) (T 100) (Backup)
146.775 (-)

Simplex
147.555
446.000
28.350
28.355 (Upper East TN inc. Oak Ridge, Knoxville, and Cosby - props to KE4BFG!)

Lafollette
147.360 (+)
145.130 (-)
146.670 (-)(?)

Jonesville
442.575 (+) (T 100)

Don't Let This Happen To You

2007-08-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

HT's that are too big for your belt can be deadly for your social life.

Just say "No" to butt-cleavage.

Oh, The Humanity!

We're ON the Air!!! (or at least the net!)

2007-07-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the future home of the Mountain Amateur Radio Club (M.A.R.C.) web site.

- Steve, W4HKL

mountain.amateur.radio.club@gmail.com

Mountain Amateur Radio Club

Wide Area Net

“Secrets” of the Mastr II…..’’

Building a Repeater Series… by that repeater dude.

Connecting an Analog Repeater to a D-Star Repeater via a D-Star mobile radio

Crossband Repeat

Tennessee Scanner Frequencies

Orchard City Amateur Radio Club Coax Calculator

LA8OKA's Intermod Calculator

Calculate intermodulation products from 2 and 3 frequencies.

Area Nets

Installing 220-foot Rohn 45G Tower

A positive approach earns Georgia hams some state owned tower space. (ARRL)

Video Tutorial - Soldering

Video Tutorial - Installing Amateur Coaxial Connectors

442.325 Repeater Link

KB5WCK Antenna Calculators

Design Your Own Antennas

Design your own antennas with the online antenna calculators thoughtfully provided by KB5WCK.

Tennessee Phone Net Schedule

Tennessee Phone Net3980 kHz

Weekday Schedule

Weekend Schedule

Holiday Schedule

Army MARS becomes... Army MARS

MARS Gets New Name As It Fine Tunes Mission

Cool Amateur Website.

Local Coverage Maps

Local Repeater News

Field Day 2008

Coverage Maps

The KF4JVI Solar Powered Repeater

New Low-Profile 440 Repeater On The Air

Fresh From WC4V Labs...

The Ultimate Backup Power Solution...?

What Kind Of Antennas To Use On Field Day?

It Will Be Here Before You Know It!

One more thing for today...

East Tennessee Repeaters Threatened By Pave/Paws Radar!!!

MARC meeting 4/1/2008, 6:00 pm

Amateur Radio Mobile Installation

Antennas!

Amateur Station W4HKL

PSK: Phase-Shift Keying

One Amateur's Take on the State of EComm

Everything You Wanted to Know About APRS But Were Afraid To Ask

This. Must. Be. Seen.

The 12 Volt Side of Life

U.T. Amateur Radio Club Involved With A Neat-O Project

A Few Good Links

Don't Taze Me, Bro!

Electrical Safety Publications; US Consumer Product Safety Commission (Many links - lot's of info

The Perfect Vehicle for Your New Yaesu FT-8970

D Star

More Grounding Hints...

Grounding Hints...

Hustler/Hamstick Vertical Update

Strange Fluke Multimeter Ad

Tsunami Ham Radio

Proof That Amateur Radio Is "Bad!!"

PSK31

MARC Meeting; 10/02/2007

Ten-Tec Hamfest is HUGE!!!

Chattanooga Hamfest

8th annual TEN-TEC Factory Hamfest

Antennas Are Up

Future Plans For 440

Local Nets

Another Trip To The Repeater Site

Pineville Repeater Site

Building The List

Message Board Is Up - Updated!

Forums...

Local Repeaters + Simplex Frequencies

Don't Let This Happen To You

We're ON the Air!!! (or at least the net!)

Tennessee Phone Net
3980 kHz