• Other Ham Radio News

    From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Fri May 7 10:55:10 2021
    From Caryn Eve Murray, KD2GUT, Editor Of Amateur Radio Newsline.

    She forgot the link in the original script in the May 7, 2021
    issue of Amateur Radio Newsline, for the "Fence Antenna" story.
    The link is as follows:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4kU0u59Vo8

    She added "We'll get this in the script ASAP. Thanks so much for
    flagging this!"

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Fri May 7 16:31:24 2021
    Due to this Sunday being Mother's Day (in the US and Canada), and
    also because there's a risk of both severe weather and flooding for
    my area...I've decided, as Net Control, to CANCEL the QCWA Digital
    Net for this Sunday, May 9, 2021.

    To me, FAMILY is FAR MORE IMPORTANT than hobbies...including ham
    radio, and checking into nets. While Father's Day is an "afterthought"
    compared to Mother's Day (another stinking necktie for Dad (hi hi)),
    the thing is, without your Mom and Dad, you wouldn't be here (hi hi).

    So, folks can take the day off and celebrate with their Mother's...
    or in my case...remembering the wonderful memories I have of and with
    her, before she died of congestive heart failure just 3 weeks before
    her 93rd birthday nearly 2 years ago.

    The QCWA Digital Net, which normally meets on the QuadNet Array,
    at 5pm Eastern Time Sunday, while canceled this Sunday, May 9, will
    resume on Sunday, May 16. Sorry for any inconvenience.

    Daryl, WX4QZ, Net Control, QCWA Digital Net
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Sun Jun 6 16:32:10 2021
    Well, with the way my luck has run lately, I'm not surprised with this development. I've had an apparent massive system failure at this end,
    with the following items no longer working correctly over here:

    1) Sound Card and Headset Mic
    2) ThumbDV and BlueDV Program
    3) Web Browser (I guess Windows 10 is next)

    I haven't even tried CQ100 yet, but if the above items still apply,
    then I'm off the air entirely...rarely checking packet, D-Rats, or
    Winlink Email anymore, anyway. It's as if I took a lightning hit.

    So, I am effectively QRT and OFF THE AIR...UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. With
    a stormy weather pattern continuing here, it's probably just as well.
    Plus, I can NOT afford to purchase any of these new items right now...
    because of plumbing and insurance cost issues outside of ham radio...
    and to me, those are far more important than doing ham radio traffic
    nets.

    As a result, except for updating the net list spreadsheets, ham radio
    info on my BBS (weather permitting), or doing a local license exam
    session...it appears that ham radio days are over.

    With the tension and severe migraine headache that has developed with
    this, I'm getting away from the computer for several days...so I won't
    be on email, Facebook, Packet, D-Rats, or Winlink 2000.

    I've also put my phones into "Do Not Disturb" mode, so I'm cutting
    myself off from the outside world for several days. I likely am about
    to have a breakdown from all that has been happening to me anyway...and
    it's time I take a break.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Jun 8 18:01:26 2021
    Well, I've fixed the audio issue with the headset mic, to where
    I can do my ham radio nets after all.

    Unfortunately, I can't control the weather (my late mother-in-law
    said "you'll be [pooping] in high grass if you could" (hi hi))...and
    between severe weather (tornado warnings to my southwest yesterday)
    plus flash flood warnings and emergencies yesterday and today (some
    areas of southeast Arkansas got over 15 inches of rain today, and
    it's still pouring)...I've had little time to work on the computer.

    The weather also means it's a "net time decision" on whether I can
    do my nets...even with REDUCING the early checkin time to only 30
    minutes instead of one hour. But, no amount of surge protection will
    protect you from a direct or close lightning strike.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Mon Jul 12 07:49:34 2021
    From a QST from the Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) Club
    in Ravenna, Ohio:

    PCARS Members:

    I know that there are a few members that fly drones, and some do it to
    inspect yagis that are on TALL towers. Here is something that you show
    know:

    Drones are increasingly used as tools for getting antenna wires into
    trees, surveying site lines, and so on.

    To legally fly a drone in the United States for non-commercial purposes,
    one must have passed TRUST - The Recreational UAS Safety Test (URL below).

    Free training for this is now available, after which someone can take
    the test from one of the (currently) 16 organizations that can administer
    the test. (DPReview -- URL below)

    TRUST: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/knowledge_test_updates/

    DPReview: https://www.dpreview.com/news/4668719994/faa-releases-trust-free- online-training-required-for-recreational-pilots-to-fly-legally

    (above URL all on one line).

    **

    From what I understand, flying a drone WITHOUT having done the TRUST
    course, can get you into big trouble with the law.

    I personally have no interest in doing such (flying drones), and don't
    have any. But, I understand they can be quite expensive.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Jul 20 09:55:20 2021
    Doug, AB8M, has been doing a "practice packet net" on Monday
    evenings (see related message for info). But, he may be considering
    ending that net soon...although I've told him I'd like for him to
    continue it. Apparently, another ham is doing a similar net, but
    with more modes to input stuff.

    If the net is discontinued, I will remove the weekly autopost
    message associated with it. For now, The PCL Net, which meets on
    the NS2B BBS in Penfield, New York, will continue. See the
    appropriate information file for more details. I alternate Net
    Control with Bob, NS2B, and am the Scribe for that net.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Jul 20 18:11:50 2021
    I have UPDATED the file PART97.ZIP, from Title 47 of the Code Of
    Federal Regulations, Part 97 of the FCC Rules, regarding amateur radio.
    Data was last updated in the file as of March 8, 2018.

    There is a PDF file online for download, and a ZIP file with the
    ascii text version of the file. This is designed for use with the
    REGSCAN and BULLET doors done by the late Dave Perry, W4KGU (SK).

    Portions of this file are on ALL Amateur Radio license exams.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Thu Aug 19 20:54:48 2021
    I have made an update to the PDF Mode Overview file on getting
    started with D-Star, D-Rats, and the QuadNet Array, among other
    modes.

    The main changes were to update the list of available ratflectors...
    I removed several that were no longer online, and inserted a screenshot
    of how they are configured in my D-Rats setup. I also removed a duplicate
    entry in the listing, modified the entry for the Paulding Country Georgia
    ARES Net, and added the Alaska Black Tie Net.

    You can get these by going to the hyperlink off of my bio on QRZ,
    or you can connect to my D-Rats folder, and look for the filename
    with Mode Overview in it.

    There are around 200 nets in the file...mostly D-Star, plus several
    Echolink, and some D-Rats nets for good measure.

    I also discovered that I have Echolink setup correctly (with the
    new version), and I was able to check into an Echolink Net earlier
    tonight. However, the EchoAnswer Utility, an answering machine for
    Echolink, is no longer available, and didn't work under Windows 10.
    Plus, since my callsign was changed 2 1/2 years ago, the registration
    key I have no longer works with it. I don't know if there's a comparable program out there. I'm on Echolink only for nets and sked requests.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Sun Sep 12 20:30:14 2021
    Due to several factors, as of Sept. 12, 2021, I am QRT from D-Star
    until further notice. These include:

    1) Failure of the BlueDV program to connect to D-Star.

    2) Failure of a reinstallation after uninstalling the program.

    3) Failure of a downgrade installation (Windows 10 says a higher version
    is already on the system, but I can't find it).

    4) Failure to get DroidStar to work on my Android phone (the battery is draining too quick as it is).

    5) The local repeaters not on the gateway.

    6) Medical and financial issues, where I can't afford:

    A) A replacement ThumbDV or DV Dongle.

    B) A D-Star Radio or Hotspot.

    C) A new Android phone.

    So, the following D-Star Nets where I was Net Control, are now QRT,
    unless someone takes over as Net Control:

    a) QCWA Digital Net - 5pm Eastern Sunday, QuadNet Array.

    b) HotSpot, Raspberry Pi, SBC, ZumSpot Net, 10pm Eastern Monday,
    QuadNet Array.

    c) Arklatex D-Star Net, 8:30pm Eastern Tuesday, Reflector 48 B.

    d) Trains And Railroads Net, 8pm Eastern Time, Friday, QuadNet Array.

    e) Food Net, 4pm Eastern Time, 3rd Saturday, QuadNet Array.

    I will still be on the air for these nets:

    1) QCWA CQ100 Net, 11am Eastern Friday, 14.347 on CQ100

    2) The PCL Net, 8pm Eastern, Monday, NS2B BBS, Penfield, New York

    D-Rats, Echolink, Packet Via Telnet, and Winlink Express will be
    used VERY SPARINGLY.

    Details on the QuadNet Array are at https://openquad.net -- details
    on CQ100 are at https://www.qsonet.com

    This is a choice that I did NOT want to have to make...I apologize
    for any inconvenience. I will advise if and when I can get back on
    the air, but right now, I'm not optimistic.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Wed Sep 22 12:05:34 2021
    Two sets of news items:

    1) From Jim Obenhofer, KN6PE, author of the Outpost Packet Program.

    Google Chrome will NOT let you download anything from the Outpost
    website (outpostpm.org). Please use another browser, such as Firefox,
    Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc. to download any files related to Outpost.

    2) From yours truly, Daryl Stout, WX4QZ

    I am finally back on D-Star, after having to reinstall Windows 10,
    and rebuild the registry. I had to do this, because the BlueDV program
    from PA7LIM, that I use for D-Star (it can also access DMR and Fusion),
    would not install or run otherwise.

    So, this is my list of current nets that I run each week.

    Sunday: QCWA Digital Net, 5pm Eastern Time, QuadNet Array

    Monday: The PCL Net, 8pm Eastern Time, NS2B BBS, Penfield, New York

    Monday: Hotspot, Raspberry Pi, SBC, ZumSpot Net, 10pm Eastern Time,
    QuadNet Array

    Tuesday: Arklatex D-Star Net, 8:30pm Eastern Time, REF 48 B --
    Backup is Reflector 73 B

    ** At present, I do NOT do nets on Wednesday or Thursday **

    Friday: QCWA CQ100 Net, 11am Eastern Time, 14.347 on CQ100

    Friday: Trains And Railroads Net, 8pm Eastern Time, QuadNet Array

    3rd Saturday: Food Net, 4pm Eastern Time, QuadNet Array

    **

    For Excel Spreadsheets of selected D-Star, Echolink, and D-Rats Nets,
    go to https://www.theweatherwonder.com/elk.htm -- over 200 nets are in
    the files...in the 4 main US Time Zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain,
    Pacific). Also at that link, is a file with information on The PCL Net.

    For more information on the QuadNet Array, go to https://openquad.net

    For more information on the Quarter Century Wireless Assocation (QCWA),
    go to https://www.qcwa.org

    For more information on CQ100, go to https://www.qsonet.com -- new
    users get a free 30 day trial. Afterwards, it's $39 a year. Paid
    users can also get the QSO-TV add-on. Usage is free on Sunday from
    0000 to 2359 UTC.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Wed Sep 22 16:53:26 2021
    Two packet related items...one a repeat from an earlier message.

    1) From Jim Obenhofer, KN6PE, author of the Outpost Packet Program.

    Google Chrome will NOT let you download anything from the Outpost
    website (outpostpm.org). Please use another browser, such as Firefox,
    Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc. to download any files related to Outpost.

    2) From Bob Smith, NS2B, Sysop of the NS2B Packet BBS

    The BBS computer crashed earlier today, so the NS2B BBS is temporarily
    offline. A new computer has been ordered, and Bob hopes to have the
    BBS back online early next week...in time for The PCL Net at 8pm US
    Eastern Time on Monday.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Thu Sep 23 14:38:04 2021
    Update from Bob Smith, NS2B, Sysop of the NS2B Packet BBS

    The replacement computer for the NS2B BBS will NOT be in until mid
    to late next week.

    So, The PCL Net for Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, is CANCELED. The net hopes
    to resume the following Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

    Daryl, WX4QZ, Scribe and Alternate Net Control
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Oct 5 17:27:46 2021
    I just got a message from Doug, AB8M, announcing that due to
    dwindling checkins, and other issues, the Monday Night Practice
    Packet Net, is no more. So, I have deleted that announcement from
    the weekly postings.

    However, for now, The PCL Net continues on the NS2B Packet BBS,
    every Monday (except during weeks of the US Holidays of Easter,
    Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas,
    and New Years Day), at 8pm US Eastern Time. Look for the related
    announcement here each Monday.

    Yours truly, WX4QZ, alternates Net Control with NS2B, and is the
    scribe for the net.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Oct 12 02:09:00 2021
    I have been unable to get callsign data updates from hamdata.com
    since Oct. 6, 2021. The website had provided the latest callsign data
    from the FCC for U.S. Hams, and from Radio Amateurs Of Canada for
    Canadian Hams.

    The site has been inaccessible the last several days, so I don't know
    if it has crashed, is down for repairs, or something else. I normally
    post data on the BBS twice a week, but once a week when there is a
    Monday holiday (as there was this week, with the US Columbus Day
    Holiday, and the Canadian Thanksgiving Day Holiday).

    I will check later in the week to see if it's back online. At the
    present time, I don't know of a similar website, which provided such
    a callsign issuance data summary. The QRZ website stopped issuing any
    callsign data updates for its callsign CD's several years ago...not to
    mention they quit doing the data CD's themselves as well. I may end up
    no longer posting such data, unless the site comes back up, or I can
    find a replacement.

    The one thing I would post would be the paragraphs that had been
    at the top of the file, with information on callsigns, license exam
    sessions, etc. -- but this would possibly be posted only on a monthly
    basis.

    As a side note, I have the callsign search door that the late Dave
    Perry, W0KGU (SK) had done on the BBS; but the data is from 2008. So,
    it's obviously way out of date. The door is now basically for purposes
    of nostalgia. And, with Dave's passing several years ago, none of his
    5 ham radio doors (freeware, requiring a DORINFO1.DEF dropfile, and
    without a fossil driver), are being updated.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Nov 23 13:24:16 2021
    Upon advice from Gary, VA3GDZ, I've updated the Excel Net List
    Spreadsheet files of selected D-Star, Echolink, and D-Rats Nets,
    in the 4 US time zones of Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific,
    to highlight recently changed or added nets. These include:

    1) New nets to the listing
    2) Nets that have changed their day, time, or reflector
    3) Corrections where I had information for the net wrong, such as
    the time the net was scheduled.

    These are the same changes in the current PDF file noting such.

    Note that the UTC Times listed are ONE HOUR LATER when the US is
    on Standard Time (from the 1st Sunday in November to the 2nd Sunday
    in March). The UTC Time is based on the time at the Greenwich Meridian,
    in England...hence it's sometimes referred to as GMT or Greenwich Mean
    Time or Greenwich Meridian Time. UTC is "Universal Time Coordination",
    but it's also referred to as Zulu Time or Z Time. Weather data is done
    with Z Time, and ham radio contest times are noted in UTC Time.

    The Excel Net List Spreadsheets, along with PDF files can be obtained
    by going to my bio on QRZ...and clicking on the first hyperlink noted. A
    second hyperlink there will allow you to email me Feedback, or to report an error in the net listing, to advise me of a new net, one that has changed
    its day, time, or location, or one that has shut down.

    I would like to keep that listing as current as possible. There are at
    least 200 nets that meet on a monthly basis...mostly D-Star, quite a few Echolink, and some D-Rats nets for good measure. Note that is another
    file with links to other net modes such as DMR, CQ100, AllStar, HamSphere, Christian Related (for those wanting them), etc. I see no reason to do a duplication of listings that are already out there. Note that I only take responsibility for my Excel Net List Spreadsheets, but I depend on others
    to advise me of any errors or changes that are needed.

    You are free to share and use this data, but I ask that personal
    credit be given to Gary, VA3GDZ, who designed the template, and to
    yours truly, who maintains the list. Lastly, check with the various
    Net Controls, as last minute changes or cancellations can occur.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Wed Jan 5 10:31:34 2022
    ARRL Headquarters Station W1AW added a new category today, with
    bulletins from Radio Amateurs Of Canada.

    To make things easier to post these to the ham radio message areas
    on the BBS, I had set up a batchfile. However, I had forgotten with
    the copy and paste to change the subject, so the bulletin from RAC
    (Radio Amateurs Of Canada) got posted twice.

    My apologies for the error.

    I don't know if this will be a regular category from W1AW or not.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Thu Jan 20 17:12:40 2022
    I'm afraid that I'm getting burned out in ham radio after over 30 years...mainly in checking into other nets.

    It has gotten to be such a madhouse with a pile-up of checkins...
    many of whom are "net hoppers"...or what I term as "Hi, Bye, And QSY"
    checkins. It's as if they believe there is a prize, award, bonus, or certificate, for seeing how many nets they can check into during a
    day or evening. These "short timers" do their "quickie in and out
    checkin" on one net...and not a minute later, they're doing likewise
    on another net.

    Indeed, in the Excel Net List Spreadsheets that I have of selected
    D-Star, Echolink, and D-Rats Nets, in Eastern, Central, Mountain, and
    Pacific Time (along with PDF files related to ham radio)...there are
    over 200 nets in a month, and on some nights, there can be as many as
    a half dozen nets meeting at the same time. These files are available
    from the hyperlink off of my bio on the QRZ website.

    There are a ton of stations wanting to checkin, but don't you dare
    ask them to be a club officer or Net Control Station!! The latter is
    why when a net frequency is reduced, or the net has to shut down, due
    to commitments outside of ham radio, stations howl with rage and anger;
    because no one will step up to the plate and do the work involved as a
    Net Control Station, Club Officer, etc.

    Sadly, it's the same with ANY HOBBY -- everyone wants the glory and
    the benefits...but no one wants the gall and the work involved. And yet,
    they think many things in life just "magically happen by themselves".

    On a net this morning, Net Control had asked stations to "wait 20
    seconds" before they key up...as he had to replace the batteries in
    his computer speakers right before the net. NOT A SINGLE PERSON
    COMPLIED WITH HIS REQUEST...and that left a real bad taste in my mouth.

    On another net awhile back, one ham had the audacity to tell Net Control "this isn't the way you are supposed to run a net". I sent him a stern
    warning letter, saying "If I had been an FCC Official, you would've had
    a Notice Of Liability for Forfeiture in your mailbox in short order!!".

    As one ham this morning lamented, "We need the new hams and old timers
    to be schooled on Net Etiquette in the worst way".

    Right now, unless I drop some more nets, here is my current schedule
    for nets as Net Control. You can download the appropriate PDF file from
    my D-Rats station or from the hyperlink off of my bio on QRZ. All times
    noted are US Central -- for details on the QuadNet array, point your web browser to https://openquad.net

    Sunday: QCWA Digital Net, 4pm, QuadNet Array

    Monday: PCL Packet Net, 7pm, NS2B BBS
    Hotspot, Rasperry Pi, SBC, ZumSpot Net, 9pm, QuadNet Array

    Tuesday: Arklatex D-Star Net, 7:30pm, Reflector 48 B

    Friday: QCWA CQ100 Net, 10am, 14.347 (CQ100 -- NOT on RF)
    Trains/Railroads Net, 7pm, QuadNet Array

    Third Saturday: Monthly Food Net, 3pm, QuadNet Array

    I normally start early checkins 1 hour before the net, on the respective reflector, etc. -- but with degenerative disk disease in my back and spine getting worse by the day, I may have to cut that back to only 30 minutes,
    or retire from nets completely. Yet some stations feel that's still "not enough"...even if the net goes 30 to 60 minutes.

    I felt like starting a "Checkin When You Feel Like It Net". This is on
    any band, any mode, any frequency, for any license class, at any time,
    day or night...to checkin whenever you feel like. I will then log and acknowledge you in kind...whenever I feel like it.

    Ham Radio is a HOBBY...it should NEVER take priority over things like
    church, family, health, job, or honey-do's. Otherwise, that rig you have
    your eye on for your birthday or Christmas is "going back to the candy
    store".

    So, I'm going to take an extended break from checking into other nets;
    with being on the air ONLY for sked requests, and the nets noted above.
    Nets were here long before I, or anyone else was in the hobby...they will
    be after all of us are Silent Keys.

    If this offends you...well, Life is NOT Fair or Burger King. Fair is
    a fall carnival...a weather term...or a call in baseball. And, you can
    NOT always "Have It Your Way". If you don't want to checkin to my nets
    anymore, that suits me just fine.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Fri Jan 28 10:54:12 2022
    The original post of the Jan. 28, 2022 Amateur Radio Newsline did not
    have a link to the story on the Nordic Radio HF Conference in the
    script. The Newsline website, arnewsline.org, has been updated with
    that URL, and it is noted below.

    https://www.nordichf.org/

    It just proves you need a second set of eyes when you look over any documentation that you have done, or you are likely to miss it.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Apr 5 17:07:00 2022
    2022 National Hurricane Conference Virtual Amateur Radio Workshop
    Monday April 11th, 2022 -- Workshop Topics and Zoom Information

    Hello to all...

    We will have the 2022 National Hurricane Conference Virtual Amateur
    Radio Workshop on Monday April 11th, 2022 from 1030 AM-1200 PM EDT
    and 130-500 PM EDT. The topics lineup for the workshop as well as the
    Zoom information details are listed below:

    http://voipwx.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/National-Hurricane-Conference- 2022-Session-and-Schedule-Information-2.pdf

    (above URL all on one line)

    The workshop will be recorded and added on to Youtube as well.

    We appreciate everyone's support of the 2022 National Hurricane Conference Virtual Amateur Radio Workshop on Monday 4/11/22 and everyone's support of
    the VoIP Hurricane Net!

    73,

    Rob, KD1CY
    Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Thu May 12 18:55:12 2022
    From The ARRL Letter, May 12, 2922

    National Hurricane Center Annual Communications Test to be Held on May 28

    WX4NHC, the amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC)
    in Miami, Florida, will hold its annual communications test on Saturday,
    May 28, 2022, from 9 AM to 5 PM EDT (1300 - 2100 UTC).

    The event is designed to evaluate WX4NHC's amateur radio equipment and
    antennas at the headquarters in Florida, and to give operators an
    opportunity to evaluate their home equipment prior to this year's
    Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and runs through
    November 30. This event allows ham radio operators worldwide to hone
    their amateur radio communications skills for times of severe weather.

    Brief contacts will be available on many frequencies and modes, as
    well as the exchange of signal reports and basic weather data with
    any station in any location.

    WX4NHC will be on the air on HF, VHF, UHF, 2- and 30-meter APRS, and
    Winlink at wx4nhc@winlink.org (subject must contain "//WL2K").

    The Hurricane Watch Net 14.325 MHz frequency will be active for most
    of the test, as will 7.268 MHz, depending on propagation. Depending
    on man-made noise, the net may move to different frequencies, and
    participants can locate the net using one of the DX spotting networks,
    such as the DX Summit website at www.dxsummit.fi.

    There will also be a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Hurricane
    Net from 4 - 5 PM EDT, or 2000 - 2100 UTC (IRLP Node 9219/EchoLink
    WX-TALK Conference Node 7203).

    WX4NHC will make a few contacts on local VHF and UHF repeaters, as
    well as on Florida's Statewide Amateur Radio Network (SARnet).

    QSL cards will be available via Julio Ripoll, WD4R.

    For more information about WX4NHC, visit their website at
    www.wx4nhc.org.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Fri May 20 16:44:16 2022

    I'm tardy in sending you an email about the Arkansas QSO Party, which
    is happening Saturday! This is the 2nd year The Noise Blankers Radio
    Group will be once again coordinating the QSO party.

    The Arkansas QSO Party is this Saturday 21 May 2022 and every ham in
    the state is invited to participate. It's an easy 12-hour event that
    allows for a full-day experience or drop-ins that won't take up your
    entire weekend.

    Check out the Arkansas QSO Party website for rules, maps, information
    and more: www.arkqp.com

    Hope to catch you on the air!

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Wed Jun 8 18:46:26 2022
    I decided to try something new last night in doing the Arklatex
    D-Star Net, with D-Rats checkins. I had originally done D-Rats when
    I was doing D-Star under Windows 10...but with Windows 11, there
    is a glitch with the audio drivers, the ThumbDV, and the BlueDV
    program. I understand from other ham radio operators that some
    of their programs and modes no longer work under Windows 11, not
    to mention that Windows 11 is 64-bit only.

    So, I had to switch the D-Star over to the BBS computer, where the
    CPU is too slow to run Windows 11. So, that computer instead has
    Windows 10 32-bit, so the legacy DOS doors can run. I can not justify discarding perfectly good and working programs, just to satisfy
    Microsoft's bottom line. They seemingly are slowing down people's
    coputers, so they'll upgrade to faster computers and a more current
    operating system. What Microsoft (and apparently most in Washington,
    DC) fail to see, or refuse to accept, is that not everyone has the
    money to do the upgrades of computers or operating systems...and
    they're perfectly happy with what they have. In some cases, they
    are switching from Windows to Mac or Linux...and I know it irritates
    Microsoft no end in that regard...not to mention not everyone is
    running Microsoft Edge (I personally have gone to Mozilla Firefox).

    Anyway, to cut to the chase (hi hi), I decided to still run a
    setup of D-Rats on the Windows 11 64-bit laptop, which has the
    SSID of WX4QZ-1 -- then, I set up an identical copy of D-Rats on
    the BBS computer, which has the SSID of WX4QZ-15 -- the latter
    is monitored when I'm doing my weekly D-Star Traffic Nets. But,
    with both of them connected to the St. Tammany Ratflector, I can
    monitor each one for checkins...and by using different SSID's,
    there's no conflict created.

    There is a file in my D-Rats shared folder, called Mode Overview;
    a PDF file with an overview of Net Etiquette, setting up D-Rats,
    the ThumbDV with the BlueDV program (these work mainly on Windows
    10), and accessing the QuadNet Array, where the majority of my D-Star
    Nets are run. Other files on there are PDF files related to ham radio,
    plus Excel Spreadsheets of selected D-Star, Echolink, and D-Rats Nets,
    in US Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Time. These are a far
    more current listing than what's at dstarinfo.com under nets (I had
    tried numerous times to get my net info updated, but it was as if it
    fell on deaf ears, so I gave up). I had started with PDF files, but
    thanks to Gary, VA3GDZ, I was able to create the Excel Spreadsheets,
    which are far easier to work with. For the spreadsheets, you'll need
    either Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, or OpenOffice (the latter two
    are free of charge) to view them. A PDF viewer is required to view
    the PDF files, and an image viewer for the image files.

    If you don't have D-Rats set up, you can still get to these files
    by going to the QRZ website, search for WX4QZ, and click on the
    first hyperlink there. The second hyperlink will allow you to email
    me, if you see an issue with the spreadsheets (such as an addition,
    change, correction, or deletion, to a net listing), or have either a
    question or comment. I'll get back with you as soon as possible.
    Lastly, two other files note how to convert to UTC Time, especially
    if you're in the US...plus links to other modes and nets...and a
    list of nets where you'll find me on the air.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Fri Sep 23 08:11:16 2022
    Unfortunately, the HamData.Com website setup no longer works with the
    web browsers of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or the search
    engine of DuckDuckGo (I prefer that over Bing and Google)...and I even
    have tried it on the smartphone.

    So, I'm no longer able to update the HamData callsign bulletin, which
    had data from the FCC for the latest issued callsigns in the US and
    Canada. If anyone knows a way I can get this data, I'd appreciate it.

    As an accredited Volunteer Examiner (VE) in central Arkansas, at times, prospective hams are curious about which sequential callsign they might
    get. Unfortunately, with the security issues with web browsers, some
    websites that have just http instead of https are no longer viewable.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ
    VE Team Liaison
    University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Ham Radio Club
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Sep 27 09:16:32 2022
    Good morning all:

    As I write this, there is a little breeze gaining strength down in the
    Gulf. While it will not directly run over us, and my pastures could
    stand a little rain, there is a chance we can help our friends in the
    affected area.

    I expect the FCC to issue a Special Temporary Authority (STA) very soon, allowing Pactor 4 operations. As you know, KB5LZK is often used as a
    WinLink gateway by those in hurricane-affected areas. We will be
    turning the Pactor 4 on as soon as we get the thumbs-up. Please avoid
    using WinLink HF if possible so the frequencies remain open for those
    folks. Telnet works great if you have internet!

    The Hurricane Net is operational on 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz. In this
    case, listening is a good thing. Those hams reporting are doing what
    they can to provide situational awareness to the forecasters and
    Emergency Management. Keeping the frequency clear for them is clearly
    the right thing to do.

    I'll have more information for you as the situation develops. Let's
    pray that as prepared as we are to help, the need doesn't arise.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Thu Dec 1 03:43:20 2022
    I discovered an error in the files listing for the ham radio exam files
    area on The Thunderbolt BBS. The FILES.BBS was still showing the 2018 Technician Class Question Pool file, even though it noted "file not valid
    after June 30, 2022"...but the file had been removed from the database.
    I have made the correction to the FILES.BBS listing...my apologies for the oversight. The file area lists question pools for the US Ham Radio Exams
    only.

    The General Class Question Pool will change on July 1, 2023, with the
    Amateur Extra Class Question Pool changing on July 1, 2024...and the
    Technician Class Question Pool won't change again until July 1, 2026.

    The pools change every 4 years, with changes in rules and technologies.
    While the Question Pools are in the public domain, maintained by the
    National Council Of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC), ham radio operators provide the questions as follows:

    General Class Licensee: Technician Class Question Pool
    Advanced Class Licensee: Technician and General Class Question Pool
    Extra Class Licensee: Technician, General, and Extra Class Question Pool

    FCC Rules require at least 10 times the number of questions in a pool
    as there are on the exam. So, with currently 35 questions for both the Technician and General exam (separate tests), and 50 questions for the
    Amateur Extra exam, there are at least 350 questions in the Technician
    and General Pool, and at least 500 questions in the Amateur Extra
    Question Pool. Many questions are similar...and unless they have been
    removed by the NCVEC, there is a chance that ANY of them will appear on
    the exam.

    The Question Pools expire on June 30 of a particular year, with the
    new pool taking effect on July 1 of that same year. In the 4 year
    cycle, Technician changes in year 1, General changes in year 2, Amateur
    Extra changes in year 3, with no changes in year 4...then, the cycle
    starts all over again.

    Examinees need to be sure they're studying the correct question pool
    for the exam they're taking, or they could be in for a rude awakening
    on exam day.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ, UALR Ham Radio Club VE Team Liaison
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Feb 7 10:24:48 2023
    I discovered an error in the domain for the ham radio websites message.

    The CORRECT domain should be wx4qz.net INSTEAD of theweatherwonder.com
    as I got rid of that domain over a year ago, due to cost. A fellow ham
    radio operator is helping with the hosting fee, and I just pick up the
    domain cost. My apologies for the error.

    Daryl, WX4QZ
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Sat Jun 24 17:25:24 2023
    Due to a low turnout of late...and the fact that the summer travel
    season is upon us, I've decided to place The Food Net on summer hiatus.

    The hiatus will run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
    Weekend. I should've canceled the net today (June 24) for Field Day,
    but that didn't cross my mind, because of other things outside of my
    hobbies.

    I will still post stuff to the Digital D-Star Food Net group on
    Facebook, as well as The RF Digital Diner group on Facebook, from foodnetwork.com

    The Food Net will resume on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, on the QuadNet
    Array (openquad.net) at 4pm Eastern, 3pm Central, 2pm Mountain, and
    1pm Pacific Time.

    I have also updated the Excel Net List Spreadsheet listings at http://www.wx4qz.net/elk.htm for this change...as well as for the
    addition of a few new nets.

    Daryl Stout, WX4QZ, Maitre'd, The RF Digital Diner/NCO, The Food Net
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)
  • From Daryl Stout@954:895/7 to All on Tue Jul 18 15:52:08 2023
    Note: There are already several videos on YouTube concurring with this. DS

    ***

    Please take a few moments to read the following notification from the
    ARRL WebSite.

    The Direct URL to the article is:

    http://www.arrl.org/news/commercial-interests-petition-fcc-for-high-power- allocation-on-shortwave-spectrum

    (above URL all on one line)

    The context of this article is copied below.

    After reading this please reach out to the ARRL, and your congressional representative to let them know that you are OPPOSED to this possible
    action!

    You can submit your objection using the FCC URL:

    https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-comment#comments

    Reference the Rule Making Request RM-11953

    Time is not on our side as the open comment period closes on 31 July
    2023.

    ========================================================================

    The ad hoc group "Shortwave Modernization Coalition" petitioned the
    Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow data communications on multiple bands within the HF 2 - 25 MHz range with up to 20 KW,
    including in bands immediately adjacent to spectrum allocated to the
    Amateur Radio Service. This group appears to represent high-speed stock
    trading interests.

    ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio (R) is treating the
    petition as a subject of concern for its members and the greater Amateur
    Radio Service. ARRL Laboratory staff are studying the matter from a
    technical standpoint, including analysis of transmitted signals
    potentially interfering with Amateur Radio communications on Amateur
    Radio spectrum. The results from this expert review are being finalized
    and will inform ARRL's filed comments on the matter.

    The FCC has assigned the petition RM-11953. Comments are due by July 31,
    2023, and reply comments by August 15. While the petitioners exclude the amateur bands, high power operations on immediately adjacent bands are proposed.

    A copy of the petition is at:

    https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1042840187330/1 (PDF).

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)