985 Workbench: 2024-10-07

My Week in Radio

  • I saw some antennas at the Ham Fest, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy any. I’ll build.
  • I passed extra at the Ham Fest
    • I guess enough workbench discussion sunk into my brain.
    • Found I can download and search a copy of the entire ULS database like some of those other helpful websites that show available callsigns.
  • POTA along the Susquehanna River.
    • Normal FT8 to get to 10 contacts.
    • 1 CW contact, and it wasn’t painful.
    • I tested out my newest printed EFHW antenna winder.
  • Running and comparing Meshtastic and APRS more
    • Why use it?

Other News

  • WA3VEE, Ron, PA QSO Party this weekend.
  • KC3SCY, Luke, switched his loose couple radio from diode to cat whisker.
  • KC3ZSJ, Gary, is playing with new antennas.
  • W3FES, Fred, has a new FT-60R
  • AF3Z, Jim, is headed to Cornwall Ranger Station for PA QSO Party

Questions

  • KC3SZO, Chris: How can I overcome some terrain in the way of my RF?
    • WA3VEE, Ron: Antenna in the attic
    • NA3CW, Chuck: VHF isn’t exactly line-of-sight, so there is hope.
    • KC3WWC, John: Lower YAGI inside had advantages over a higher outside ground plane quarter wave.
  • AA3LH, Leon: Let’s confirm repeater settings for this old radio and new antenna going in the car.
  • KC3WWC, John:
    • I could change my callsign now.
    • I’ve only used this one for a year, so not super-attached.
    • For contesting, I see the benefit of a shorter call, so I might ultimately consider phonetic and morse weight.
    • How did you choose your vanity call? What strategies should I consider?
    • NA3CW, Chuck: initials.
    • W8CRW, CR: initials.
    • AA3LH, Leon: initials, and wanted an “A” call.
    • AF3Z, Jim: assigned by FCC. Consider how it sounds in CW.
    • WA3VEE, Ron: assigned, and sounds cool.
      • He also has K3DTS for the campus location of his old club.
      • quick and simple for CW
      • 1-by-1 is for special events.
      • easy to understand, so stay clear of confusing letters; V, C, Z, etc.
      • sound in sideband: normal or phonetic.
    • KC3OOK, Bill: assigned.
      • catching phonetic for DX
      • NA3NA was catchy.
      • KC3QQD is funny: Quack Quack Duck
    • Callsign ideas:
      • KD3FN
      • KB3VI
      • KC3VI
      • AA3WW
      • AA3KK

See also