How to Save Ham Radio – Modes – Part 3 (5 Part Series)

I have been thinking and getting feedback about this series and Ham Radio overall there are several great points I have been hearing from people and I as I have said in the past… yet maybe SAVE is to strong of a word… Strengthen is a good one or expand is another… but let’s stick with SAVE for the article.

In a long list of items I think about the next one are modes of operation –

The next thing I think about is modes…. What else should I be doing to learn a new mode in Ham Radio?

Well, I’m a CW Operator only! Why? I know some people that tell me they don’t even own a microphone. How many people have said that to me over my time in the hobby, I wouldn’t even want to try to count.

I also can’t tell you how many people I have actually had tell me they never have used CW and I think that’s a shame. This is not about the merits of one mode over another. This is about learning more – learning about CW, RTTY, PSK31… Digital modes are just as much fun and any other mode.

I am making it a priority to learn more about RTTY and make more contacts, PSK31 and even JT Modes. I was listening to a net about SSTV the other night and just downloaded a few apps to get me started. You might ask yourself why does it matter Nick? I am a CW guy and that’s it. I don’t care about the other modes… well during extreme times of need… Emergency, medical or whatever else comes to midst wouldn’t it be good to know – wouldn’t it be good to be setup and ready? Why are learning other modes important? So could you use them when needed and teach others how to use them.

My challenge to you – learn a new mode today/tomorrow. Get on SSB, get on Digital… get on CW. This could inspire you for something new, something you didn’t know about yourself… a new DXCC or WAS whatever paper you chase.

Give it some thought.

Footnote:

APRS – I would say this is a mode that is under appreciated and here is why. I drive all over the southeast for business and have APRS in my car. I find several spots of even populated areas that don’t have digipeaters… this is something that anyone with some extra money and antenna should setup. I have a Digi at my house (it might be off the air right now due to some relocation of equipment) and you should too. I times of critical tracking APRS is a amazing tool especially in remote areas … I would highly recommend you pick up a radio that has a Digi… or setup one. There are so many easy ways to get a Digi setup and this is something that could really help other Hams when in need. We should have a web that covers the world in APRS. I have committed to this… think about it when you hear about someone getting lost in the woods or a fire breaking out and we can’t find fighters in the smoke. This is something that is easy and could make a huge impact.

Until next article… 73’s N1IC Nick

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Green Mountain Grill – Prime Rib Cook

So I have wanted to do a Prime Rib ever since I got this grill. Green Mountain Grill and Prime Rib just sounded like a great combination to me. I have cooked ribs and butts several times but due the lack of time lately for cooking I didn’t know what I would be cooking next…

Finally I just said that’s it Sunday Dinner this week is Prime Rib!

Stopped by Publix and had them trim me up a nice 4 bone Rib Roast with really nice marbling. This was a little more expensive than I thought but hey how often do you do this. I figured it was worth the little extra to crank up a nice Prime Rib.

I love Garlic Butter – I mean I’m Italian so of course I love garlic so … I made a quick butter, olive oil, thyme, sage, and oregano. Nothing fancy because it really doesn’t need it I like to get my roasts and for that matter all my beef at room temp when I cook it so I mixed up the butter and spread it on…

Then I got my Apple Pellets in the smoker and cranked it up to 500 for a searing. I wasn’t sure that this was a good idea at the time but turned out to be a great idea. 10 mins on each side at 500 degrees really locked in the juices…

Once I flipped it back then I lowered the temperature to 325 and let the smoker just do its thing. I had made a spritz for ribs but I didn’t have the time to make the ribs too so I only spritzed the roast in the last hour about 2-3 times. In retrospect I should have spritzed more as I think it could have added to the crust but it really didn’t need it.

After about 3 hours the temperature was reading 120, which is around where I wanted to pull it. Since my wife and daughter like a little more medium than medium rare I decided to leave it on until 125.

At this point I pulled and wrapped in foil and then in several towels to let rest for 20/30 minutes. I wanted to make a few sides to complete the meal that also let the meat rest for a while.

I was out the same day and decided to pick up an electric knife, which I had never used before but have been thinking about getting for ribs and brisket. I really love technology if you can’t tell by my blog and as I have watched more and more pitmasters it seems to be becoming more common than in the past.

As you could see by the below picture the slides were large (Texas cut for sure) since I was learning how to use the knife as well as this cut of meat they were larger than I would normally cut but hey they were amazing. Knife cut through like it was butter and that is because it was. It was perfectly cooked and juicy as anything I have cooked.

Needless to say we had a lot of left overs but who doesn’t like Prime Rib for breakfast?? Kidding… it will get eaten for sure in our house! First experience cooking this meat – wasn’t hard at all but really good. Overall I would highly recommend this for a party or big crowd… Really is a great cut and everyone loved it.

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Elecraft K3 Final Build Assessment and First On Air Testing

So the Elecraft K3 build is finished ☺ Yes it has been a long process for me but only because of my time and schedule. I think this is a project you could finish in a weekend if you really put dedication into it but I’m not sure you would want to. I will explain this as I go along…

The first questions I got were why would you do this? There are so many radios out there to purchase and some could argue many better. Well, that’s subjective of course and I’m a big fan of my Yeasu 1000mp, which I believe is my third one. I also love what Icom is doing with their new rigs but I remember a hobby that I used to table and build circuit boards, solder resisters and diodes and even build a Heathkit or two. I wanted to regain that experience in the hobby…. Get on air with something I assembled and tuned… something my hands were inside and I know where everything is and could replace if needed. How comfortable would you be installing a filter in your radio? I could do it in 10 mins now ☺ so that is a big part of the why.

The second part – FUN. Yes, if you read my posts you will see some frustration in my build. There are a few reasons but one is I was sick during the first phase… I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and was in the midst of an episode when I was doing the first few days of assembly. Take that out and I think you would find that I was having much more fun. ☺ Also – I have a really busy with work, life and family so I wanted something that I could have to sit down and take my mind away. This project seemed like a great one.

So here are the videos of assembly if you haven’t seen them and then I will provide you my overall thoughts below:

Now – let’s get into details of this build. My recommendations for you if you’re going to build, Elecraft to make it a better build and those on the fence.

You are going to or getting ready to build an Elecraft K3 here are my recommendations:

• Separate all of the parts and pieces into whatever project box or kit you have. This seems like a small thing but let me tell you that if you have everything separated and organized it will make this project so much easier and fun. It’s also not hard as the bags are very detailed packaged and labeled. Get this step out of the way and you will enjoy it
• Read the manual a few pages forward from where you think your going to build and ensure you do a few things. Find all the places on the Board where the parts are going and make sure that one part you put in isn’t going to block you from putting in another. There are a few things I found in the order that challenged me due to my hand size. There is a small working area inside the rig so you need to ensure your going to have space to move around
• Have anti static mat and wristband as recommended but I would also add that you really need an Anti Static Pair of Needle Nose that are pretty small. When, and you will, drop a nut or washer you will have the ability to get that part our to ensure you don’t cause a short later. I was guilty of tipping the radio upside down to get one out and then I got one caught the same way so I learned my lesson so the needle nose were now the solution.
• Light and space – you will need space to lie out everything and I recommend having good light. There are several paces that become dark if your not careful you could miss things. I had a flashlight and then a I clipped a book light on the side of the radio when I needed more. You won’t see it in my videos and I tried to take that out when I was shooting but the book light became a great help.
• Time – Remember this is something you want to savor so make sure you set aside enough time to work on this project and don’t rush to get it done. Savor it for sure but you also don’t want to miss a step that you will have to take a lot of pieces apart because you missed something. That happened to me and it’s frustrating because some pieces take some finesse to get in place and having to take them out and do it over….. Well I think you get my point ☺
• Testing – Make sure to do all the testing that is directed, make sure to have all the parts correct on the transistor connections to the sides and the bottoms. Remember – Elecraft is known for it’s support and I make sure to call and email when I had questions. They are awesome and it’s critical that you get these parts right.
• Lastly, a good attitude. You will have fun, frustrations and anticipation of completion. Don’t loose focus, rush or get too frustrated if you have trouble getting a part together. It will come, fall in place and then work. It’s not a hard build whatsoever but there are a few tricky parts make sure to not lose focus.

So I would never tell a company like Elecraft with their awesome product and support to change everything. I honestly had a great time and was amazed by the ability to dial a phone number and get an engineer on the phone that knew the radio, the manual and the step I was at. I also caught a great surprise during the middle of the build where I got an email from Walt and another person at Elecraft that mentioned they were following my build and wanted to know what my progress and thoughts were. I was blown away to get that email, the support I got. Knowing how much this company is behind their product that made makes me want to be a life long customer…

My recommendations or suggestions are nuances… I work for one of the largest software companies in the world and I live by process (ITIL, Six Sigma, AGILE to name a few) so when I went though this build I had this lens on myself because it’s so engrained in me that I can’t take if off ☺

• There are several places in the build that it felt like I could have completed before I put the sides and back of the rig on. The reason I would suggest this is purely size of hands vs. how much space there is to work. I would suggest that you look at the as a process improvement.
• Parts to size in the manual. Many times I had to measure bolt sizes to ensure I had the right ones. These are small and there are a lot of parts it would be good to have the manual have an exact scale in the parts section of the manual to help the process.
• Options installation during build – as someone that purchased several options for my radio there was several places where there could have been a pause in the documentation that asked. If you have purchased YYYYY option please consider installing at this point. My reason for this change is once I had the rig all the way together I had to take it apart to get in a few options. If there is a way to add that into the process I think it would be a more enjoyable build. If testing and calibration causes this to be an issue I completely understand. Example of this that came to mind is the fact I purchased the P3 and there was a long process to get this in after the build was complete. I could have save a lot of time by installing this earlier.

I really thing that is it – it was just more process… why can’t install more before I get the sides on, can I get options in earlier so I don’t have to disassemble to put this in.

So onto you if your considering purchasing this radio and building this project. Here are my thoughts for you:

• DO IT – you will have a great experience and there is nothing like being on the air with a radio you built yourself. It is a feeling that I can’t describe.
• Save your money and ensure you get as many options and filters upfront. I will tell you that were the best suggestion that was given to me. I was able to get most of the options I wanted in the first build and now I am so comfortable to install anything else when I have the desire to put it in.
• Have all the right tools, meters and space ready for this project since you will need it. I did it on our kitchen table and packed it up after every day. I’m a little tight on space right now so that is what had to work for me. I would tell you that having enough space is a key (since I have said it like 4 times now)
• Remember there are huge networks of people that have built this radio, support from Elecraft is AWESOME and you have great documentation. I can’t say how many times that Elecraft support is world class… I don’t know that I could say this personal touch is available from any other company or at least I haven’t experienced it.
• Install the software and have the USB cable to program, calibrate and test with Elecraft’s software. This was a huge step because it made things so easy if your not a computer person or having a hard time programming rigs. I did a few of the calibration steps onscreen to try and then once I moved to the software I didn’t look back.

Now on the radio being complete. Some have asked why I haven’t posted a video of getting the 100-watt amp in since that was my last step to completion. The simple fact is… I didn’t have time ☺ I had the amp sitting on my desk and I had a short window of time between building and going to traveling soccer for my daughter. Life is busy and as much as I want to be an Internet star ☺ my family comes first so I just didn’t have time to get the camera setup and really wanted to get the radio done.

Operating this rig has been a dream. It’s very easy to tune – my friend AK5X Bill told me that this ATU could tune a paperclip and I have to tell you he is right. I have a simple wire in my attic that many radios struggle with. The Elecraft K3 took care of it on the first try. You will see in the below video that I was able to get the radio up and running, tuned up and tried different filters on 20 Meters. Audio Quality is good but I was using a Canon EOS M with no external MIC so take that into account.

Final assessment of the Elecraft K3 Build –

After hours of building, testing and ensuring that the radio was ready for prime time I have moved it into my second radio position to do some more testing and comparisons. I have ordered cables from wireman so I could connect this and the 1000mp side by side but also I like to have two stations setup at all times. Will I move this into station number one position? It could easily – I love this radio the operation is simple, I connected it to my computer and the computer control just worked the first time.

I want to do some more testing and tuning in but I really am hopeful that this will become my primary digital mode radio… The problem is that it has to knock off my 1000mp as my primary rig and that is going to be hard for it to do… but not impossible and is pretty likely. So far I haven’t turned on the MP since putting this radio on air – I haven’t made any contacts yet due to the antenna situation not the radio. I have a Buddipole that is setup outside (Yes HOA restrictions) and I need to get the coax run to it. My old coax got snipped by the lawn crew (my fault I didn’t get it out of their way). Once I do and get the jumper cables configured between the two rigs and antennas I’m going to do a shoot out between the two. I will tell you that the size is really appealing the MP takes up a lot of desk space and that is a premium for me. The display is really nice on the K3 and has a lot of information available and easy to read.

I’m not sure my words will do it justice any more I think you could tell that I loved the build. I loved the process. I loved the support I received and the quick operation I have done with it so far. I believe the true tell of how happy I am that I just purchased the KX3 (replacing my 817) and the P3 for the K3. I am going to attempt to move to a full Elecraft shack. If that doesn’t give you my final assessment I don’t know what else will. Words could only say so much… speaking with your purchases say it all.

I wanted to thank everyone for reading, responding and hopefully enjoying my process but even bigger I hope you speak to you soon on the air. Thank you Elecraft for helping me see that Ham Radio could still be about getting on the air with a radio you build and thank you for being a part of this community.

73’s all until I start the next build… P3 is on deck and then the KX3… More videos coming soon ☺

de N1IC Nick

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Today I received the Canon Adapter for the Canon EOS M and wanted to do a quick review. Canon EOS M Mount Adapter and wanted to do some testing of the Canon EOS M high ISO in low light conditions. I just happened to have the Canon 70-200 IS 2.8 next to me. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras I know this is an unconventional way to test and I will doing much more extensive testing on this camera with the non adapter lens as well as against the NEX-7 (which I own as well.) Sony NEX-7 24.3 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera with 18-55mm Lens.

The camera of course looks awkward with the huge lens on the little camera but one thing that really any professional will tell you is that the camera is a tool… any camera could take great pictures to an extent. It’s more about the photographers skill and ability to get the right exposure that is the key. I really want to dig into this camera as I have just read so many negative things about about it to see if it is just truly people have tested and the camera isn’t of quality or people just had some expectation of Canon and in their minds it didn’t reach that standard. Even though they may have never actually taken a picture with this camera.

Overall, my initial impression was pretty positive about two things. The Adapter worked really well with the 70-200… or should I say as expected for Canon Equipment. The surprise to me was the performance of the ISO in lower light considerations. You could see by the samples below that my 6400 ISO picture is pretty useable.

Conditions for this test were:

1.) Adapter showed up from Amazon and put right on the camera with no reading or setup

2.) My couch in my office with lap light pointed up and some natural window light over my sholder

3.) Canon EOS M in AV mode with the 70-200 II USM f2.8

4.) Model: Juliette my Caviler King Charles Spaniel which is one of the best breeds in the world.

5.) Out of camera uploaded to Flickr via Lightroom with no edits

You have a view of 100 ISO up to 128,000 ISO… Take a look and let me know what you think: (Click on any picture for a larger view)

This is a 100 ISO version and yes it is not as sharp but I didn’t have great light. I will be taking some more high light version to show the lower ISO. I was really focused on the higher.

This is Canon EOS M at 400 ISO

This is the Canon EOS M at 1600 ISO

This is at 12800 ISO with the Canon EOS M

This is another shot that I captured at the same time in the same light at 6400 ISO:

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Canon EOS M Mirrorless Camera – I’m late to the party

First of all let me say I wasn’t planning on purchasing this or any new camera right now. I was actually selling some gear to put money together for a Canon 1Dx purchase but I was surprised to see the bottom drop out of the 1D IV market and wasn’t willing to sell mine with only 30,000 accusations on it for the prices they have been going for.

I am the proud owner of the 5D Mark II and Mark III as well as the 1D IV so I have a large investment in lens for the platform. I had also picked up the Sony NEX-7, as I liked the specs and what Sony was doing on mirrorless side of the house. This camera as produced some great results for me and has traveled to many countries with me due to its size and quality.

With all this said I really was disappointed when I read many reviews from people that I respect about what Canon had done with the EOS M and had no desire to purchase one. I was happy with my NEX-7 and the lens collection I have for it as well as purchasing the adapter so other Sony lens I have acquired over the years would work with.

Well after saying all that I ended up purchasing a Canon EOS M and here is the two simple reasons. One – I got an email from newegg.com that they were having a major sale so I put one in my cart to see what the price would be and it was $450 which is an amazing price and secondly with the lens investment I already have in Canon I figured that it would be worth the risk.

Now on to the camera – it is really a nice little compact camera that with the 22mm lens is a package I could fit easily into a pair of cargo shorts or jacket pocket. That has become more important to me over the years when traveling out of the country or with my family. I love my DSLR’s and will never give them up for my personal and professional photography but that simply day out or weekend trip it’s nice to have a camera you could trust with you.

I am not going to get into major review details right now but here I would like to give you my first impressions, which are very different than what I have seen from others.

Pros so far –

1. Size the compact size is really nice. Nothing different than other’s in this category but it’s smaller than then NEX-7 / 5 and makes it even easier to travel with.
2. Common Canon Menu system. If there is one grip that many people have about the Sony is the complex menuing system and software. EOS M is Canon’s standard and really easy, common and likeable.
3. Low Light Performance – I have only taken a few captures so far but I was really happy with the incamera JPEG quality at lower light. I have a few samples at the end of my video.
4. Video – I have taken a few videos so far as well and on simple GREEN or Auto mode they are of acceptable quality for what I expect from my NEX-7 at about half of the price.
5. Touch Screen – I didn’t think this was something I would like but I have to tell you I actually do. I have taken to the touchscreen much more than I thought I would

Cons so far –

1. I know many have called out the AF lock on… As a mainly landscape photographer this doesn’t bother me as much as it did others. I was doing some pictures of my dogs and as it wasn’t as quick as my NEX it was fast enough to get the shots I wanted. I also suspect this is something that Canon will address in firmware.
2. Lens Selection – this is a pro and con. I will get the adapter so I could use my other Canon Lens. I will test much more after I get this attachment.
3. Concern over Canon’s direction with this camera. Canon hasn’t stated much, they haven’t commented too much on the line, firmware or other direction. That is something that concerns me about where or how much they are going to invest in the M line.

Bottom line – for $450 I couldn’t be happier with this little camera. To the point where I have questioned if I need my NEX-7 any longer and that is a big statement for me as that camera comes everywhere with me. I Love my NEX but with all that a little more low light testing, lens adaptor and some more time with the EOS M I might have an NEX for sale. I’m surprised how much I like this camera after all I have read and the fact that there are deals to be had out there I’m hoping this enables the EOS M to catch a little fire and get some more people using it.

The pictures I have seen on Flickr and other sources are of better quality than you might suspect. Again – I’m pleasantly surprised and will be doing some more in depth reviews of this camera against my NEX-7 … I am going to need to decide if I am selling another camera ☺ Keep your eye out for my next review on the EOS M.

Below is my video of unpacking, quick look at the menu’s as well as a few sample pictures.

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Nick N1IC – How to Save Ham Radio – Part 2 – Pay it Forward (5 Part Series)

Thanks for all the feedback on the first part of my conversational view of how to Save Ham Radio. Now I know “SAVE” is a strong word and it’s not that we are “IN TROUBLE” but it’s always good to do some self-refection on the hobby from time to time.

Pay it forward is a simple concept – do something that will have in impact on others and help to do it for the next person.

How does that work for us being Hams? Well, I have thought of a few things but would love to hear your comments on things I might have missed:

1. Operate – Actually use all that gear you have. When you do talk to someone new or get out of the normal net you’re in or circle that you always talk too. Sometimes talking to someone new will provide you a new view on the world, topic or life. You could even learn something!

I hear from new Ham’s as well as have experienced it myself – I got my license, my rig, antennas up and I get on the air and no one comes back to me. Or they are talking to people and are rude if I want to join in.

The other thing that I find these days is even local 2m/440 mhz drive time on our local repeaters are very quiet… I’m not sure why. Get out talk or whatever mode your interested in… meet someone new!

1. Teach – Become an Elmer or just buy a copy of the Getting your Tech License book and pass it around. I have purchased about 5 copies over the years and my only ask from people that I give them to is send me a note when your get your license and please pass it along to someone new. Buy a copy for the local Scout Master or other organizations in your area. If you don’t have the $20 find a few hams in your area to chip in. This is a great investment trust me. I had a copy come back to me in the mail form someone 5 people away and found it it was my copy and USPSed it back to me.

There are many places around that you could sign up to be an Elmer as well. I know eham.net has a forum for Elmers… you get the picture.

1. Get out into forums and post – answer questions, help, teach and share. Radio Reference.com, QRZ.com and Eham.net just to name a few but you easily could become a person of authority and share. I know there are a lot of people out there that complain or are even not very nice in forums… Just let the Internet tough guys go and help those that need help.

1. Have old equipment? Donate it to any of the great orgs out there that are looking for gear. Even better have a contest with your local club or scouts or computer club. First person to get their license gets my old Icom 2m Rig. Have some fun with it…. Challenge everyone in your club to throw in $10 and buy a rig to give it way. There are so many easy ways to pay it forward with gear I’m sure you could think more let me know. I remember the Kenwood TR-2600 that was given to me J I wish I still had that rig but it got me to upgrade from Novice to Tech so I could get on 2M a the time.

Those are just some quick ideas – get your thinking cap on too on how to pay it forward. Have a Station Tour if you have a great station to show off – present to a computer club, electronics class or whatever is around your area. Talk at a local CERT meeting… you has so much knowledge; experience and passion for this hobby just take some time to share it.

Share a Getting your Tech book or best yet talk to someone new… biggest complaint I hear from new Hams is the fact that no one answers them or they are not inclusive. Remember you were the new guy/gal once… make them feel welcome!

What is your pay it forward idea???

The post Nick N1IC – How to Save Ham Radio – Part 2 – Pay it Forward (5 Part Series) appeared first on NickToday Blog.

When I was sitting back remembering how Ham – Amateur – Radio changed my life the other day it is a pretty remarkable story. I think my story is for another time but thinking about it made me want to sit back and give back to the hobby that I love so much and has done so much for me.

The best way I thought today was to think of ways we could work together and Save Ham Radio together. I of course am in no way saying I have all the ideas or answers and I would love to hear from others but I thought I would start with my opinions.

Ham Radio isn’t dead for sure: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2011/11/17/radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high/

But are we doing all we could to promote Ham Radio to a generation that loves technology. They are glued to their tables and smartphones – they love to text and communicate. I bet – with the right motivation and experiences many of them would be interested in Ham Radio.

Over the next few weeks I am going to sit down and provide the roadmap that I have followed to help give exposure to others on radio, the safety and emergency communications aspect and the pure fun of building something new.

My first part of this series is on Sharing Ham Radio News with others:

Part One of Series –

Share the success of Ham Radio – for Personal Pleasure and Community Preparedness

Ham Radio has perceptions of being for old people, for being Morse code only, having to have huge towers in your backyard and various other misconceptions, to continue with this point many people don’t know how Ham Radio has been the only forum of communications during disasters, tsunamis, hurricanes and other events.

I would bet that many of you are on Facebook, Google +, Twitter or other social networks. How many times do you read useless posts? I would suspect it’s a lot. How many times have you read an article about Ham Radio and reposted it to your friends so they could understand a little better? I suspect not that many times.

Let me give you an example:

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2011/hs0ac_helps_save_almost_1000_lives.htm

Now do you think that your friends and family that you forwarded this too would read and be interested? Would you think that it would change just a small perception of the hobby your interested in?

Ok not good enough? How about this one:

Ham Radio Operators Become Lifeline for Tsunami-Stricken Indian Islands

http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2005-01-05-voa24-66363817/546509.html

Yes, I know what your saying now – well, I live in the US and we have a great communications system with tons of backup and this could never happen here so my friends and family wouldn’t care… or would they?

Hurricane Sandy: http://www.examiner.com/article/ham-radio-s-response-to-hurricane-sandy-is-reviewed-and-praised

Another: http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=695012

And yet another: http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/ham_radio_saves_mans_life111/

I think my point is made – or I hope… But now you say my kids love texting and they aren’t going to use a radio? Isn’t this something we want to change? The ability to have a conversation not online – the art of being able to converse with someone new and learn and gain experience? Absolutely!

I mean come on we all know that Morse Code is faster than texting anyway:

http://videosift.com/video/Ham-Radio-Morse-Code-vs-Text-Messaging

So I think you get my point – we need to be sharing more stories about our hobby with others. I feel sometimes we are afraid to talk about it – the fact that someone might not find it interesting or think we are strange. I’m not sure what it is… but we seem to be afraid to share. I see so many posts on Facebook for nonsense I make it a point on a weekly basis to find something interesting about Ham Radio and post it.

What is the point to this? Well, it’s about changing perception, gaining interest and possibility a new Ham or two. It’s about showing people the possibilities and the technology… showing them the benefits of being prepared in an ever changing communications world.

Now you ask – Nick I just don’t have time to go out daily, weekly or monthly to look for this stuff and post it. Well, I agree – I don’t either…. That’s why I have it pushed to me. There are several Facebook Pages, Twitter Feeds and other RSS feeds that publish this information everyday.

For example:

http://www.hamuniverse.com/hamnews.html
http://www.dxzone.com/linktous/rss.shtml
http://twit.tv/hn
http://www.arrl.org/
http://www.southgatearc.org/

My goal is to always look to bring in one new person a year into Ham Radio – sometimes friends, family, Boy Scout or someone that just asks me about the antenna’s on my car. I have been pretty successful in doing this as well as I have been working on my wife for a few years now and I have her at the breaking point. She has said she would consider it since we live in Florida and with Hurricane Season every year… something she has said maybe she would need to look at doing.

It’s a great first step and one you should consider – share our stories they are great and people will be interested. I bet it will surprise you….

Here is my favorite video to share when someone asks me about the hobby…

Share it today! 6 mins of someone’s time could change their whole perception of what we do….

Until Part 2 – I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on our wonderful hobby.

The post Nick N1IC – How to Save Ham Radio – 5 Part Series (Part 1) appeared first on NickToday Blog.

In life you come across people – early on my life I think I was 16 years old I met a friend on the way into work in the mornings on our local 220mhz machine. I had gotten hurt and at the time my hand was wrapped up and I had taken some time off. I was a novice at the time so I only had privileges on 220. Mike N1RFD was one of the people that I met that convinced me take a step back from the construction work I was doing and look into computers. That changed my life I have been in the IT industry since and Mike was one of the people that I have to thank for this.

Not only did he help me then but has remained a friend, mentor and contact that I could rely on anytime it was needed.

The main reason I tell you this story is to tell you that when a friend like this gives me guidance I always listen but knowing Mike for the years I have in both business and personal I know he is very detailed and thoughtful when he works on something or builds something. Knowing he is now retired and has been working on a project that I really wanted to share with as many people as possible.

Take a look and tell me what you think of the:

What is my definition of a Communications Go-Kit?

What is my definition of a Communications Go-Kit?

A Communications Go-Kit (or Radio-Ready-Kit) is made up of a portable “Amateur radio” station and assorted personal gear that can quickly be assembled to respond to a “Call To Service”. What the kit will consist of depends on the type of incidents being responded to and potential extent of the events. Being Prepared and Equipped to serve, enables rapid deployment! A responders Go-Kit should be tailored to their needs, (Radio type), expected assignments and expected length of assignment. Sometimes it is necessary to go equipped with more than QRP (low power) equipment to achieve reliable communications. It is good practice to use no more transmitter power than required, but it is also necessary to have enough power available to complete the communications. This has led me to build a Go-Kit which is capable of more transmitter power than a HT. The additional transmit power does not have to be utilized, but if needed, it is there. Also with the radio installed in my go kit, the ICOM ID-880H, with the appropriate MARS & CAP ICOM approved modifications, the Go Kit can be used to effectively communicate or provide communications for services between 136-174 MHz and 420-470 MHz Analog / Digital including Digital D-Star. Another feature this radio provides is the ability to transmit and receive encoded, digital data via a direct connection to a computer / laptop.

Here is the link to Mike’s Project: http://www.emergencyradiogokit.com/

The post PORTABLE EMCOMM STATION appeared first on NickToday Blog.

http://www.hardeightbbq.com/

Whether it’s the fact that I’m jaded about really good BBQ – I have lived in Dallas, TX / Charlotte, NC and several stops in Florida as well as have extensive travel under my belt which leads me to try BBQ from many different regions and genre’s it takes a lot for me to get excited about a new stop.

I was at a work function and one of my the guys that works for me as well as our customer wanted to go for BBQ – I will say my customer was every knowledge about competition as well as home cooking (found out later he has won 5 Grands) so as we were talking I said sure I’m coming. I always pick a place to try anyway and if you guys are recommending it let’s go.

One caveat to this is I was already full from appetizers and a few Shiners while we were having this conversation so I didn’t expect to order much … I also will say I wasn’t expecting this so I didn’t have a good camera with me only a camera phone so they are not the greatest pictures in the world.

Hard 8 – it’s funny because I lived very close to this location but never had heard of it before. The Coppell location is in the middle of an industrial park so if your setting your GPS to get there don’t get too concerned you will see the smoke after the last turn…
Well, its Texas so it’s a big building with lots of parking around back and jeeps and trucks everywhere there is a piece of grass….

There two lines and for good reason – open air pits with various menu items. All the staples plus a few more things you don’t see everyday.

http://www.hardeightbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/HARD8menu_COPPELL_5.pdf

After waiting in line, which you could have, grab drinks from the front you weave through to see the fireboxes, cast iron grills and pans as well as an all of the beautiful BBQ.
As I said I was stuffed which I thought everyone else was so I figured that there would be some left over when everyone got done. Don’t get me wrong I’m not cheap at all I just don’t like to waste food and while staying in a hotel it’s hard to bring back a big plate of BBQ ☺
I opted for the Brisket (hey I’m in TX) and a chicken wrapped in bacon. As you know from my other reviews I normally go with Ribs but I just wasn’t feeling ribs although that turned out to be a mistake.

We all ordered and walked through the line that your food is weighed by lbs then you grab fixen’s and deserts. (Cherry Cobbler for me☺)
Well, the brisket was out of this world – I asked for some bark and point sections that I got and it was moist, tender, and had just enough seasoning. This chicken wrapped in bacon was just amazing with a smoky taste… then since everyone was stuffed I started to have things thrown on my plate – Ribs were one. Now I know pork ribs aren’t Texas staple but these were really good spares. It was clear they were cooked perfectly and just enough spice. The one thing that was really surprising to me was the smoked sausage – I am not a fan normally but I have to tell you it might have been the best thing I ate. The smoky flavor and perfect cooking make this something that I will go back just to order. This is not to say that the brisket wasn’t a home run but I was completely surprised about the sausage this was out of this world.

Overall – I have heard that this was one of the best Dallas BBQ restaurants and it didn’t disappoint. I would say that the brisket and sausage were some of the best I have every tasted in my life. I will go back and I recommend you do as well. Next time I head there I will have a better camera and go for more items on the menu. Hard 8 is a Dallas Stop! I would recommend it at the highest level!

The post Hard 8 BBQ – Coppell TX appeared first on NickToday Blog.

On to final assembly of the Elecraft K3 – there didn’t seem like much left to do before testing so I had some time the other night to finish up. There were a few parts here that were a little frustrating – mostly to do with the heat sink for the 100-Watt Amp. It was something that got put in early on in the steps that gets in the way when you have large hands for some of the more delicate work that has to be done after this.

After this you work on the bottom panels, which are very easy but a couple of things to think about here. Getting the feet laid out so when you put the raising bar on you will ensure that you get them right the first time. My video doesn’t show it as it’s in fast motion but I spent a little extra time ensuring I had the feet in the right order.

The next step is the noise blanker board which of course is an easy install but with the head sink as well as the top bar in place if adds al little complexity to getting it installed that I’m not sure needed to be there. This is one of the places in the instructions that could use some updating but I’m going to save that for my overall build notes.

Elecraft K3 Assembly complete – well kind of J This was the main portion and the 100-Watt Amp isn’t in yet I have to do some testing and calibration before that. Right now the main assembly is completed. Boy was that fun. Once I get a chance to take a break and get all the calibration done and that Amp in I’m going to write up my overall impressions from the build – both all of the great things and the few areas I would suggest for improvement. If you want any indication if I enjoyed the build the night this was finished I did two things – I pulled my 1000mp out of the main station location and I ordered the P3 as my next assembly. I would think that should tell you how much I enjoyed this.

Enjoy the video:

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