I checked with the FRAM 2 discourse chat group and they did have some success with the ham SSTV.
A 70cm (440) beam was needed to get copy. They said this in the initial instructions and they were right.
Unfortunately, the wx here in MN wasn't fun for standing outside holding antennae.
?
73
Mike N0QBH
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For those interested in EmComm drills and training exercises involving Winlink, Digital and Voice for emergency Communications.
Go to https://www.emcomm-training.org/index.html and click on the Winlink Thursdays tab and sign up for their 开云体育
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I've been listening on a vertical antenna on 437.550 and haven't heard anything yet.
Anyone else? They are only running 5W as I understand it so a Yagi beam pointed at the Dragon spacecraft might be needed.
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I use SpaceX's on line tracking page.
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The FRAM mission scheduled to launch this evening will be hosting some receive only amateur radio SSTV events on 437.550 MHz.
They will have a polar orbit - very unusual!
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?
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73
Mike N0QBH
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Tonight's pre net discussion ranged from Chinese radios to soaring in a California sailplane.
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146.91? ? ?WD0HXV, N0FOP, N0QBH, KA0BLC, KF0OUA, W0AYE.
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147.03 ? ?WD0HXV, N0FOP, N0QBH, KA0BLC, KF0OUA, W0AYE, KF0FIK, W0RND.
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444.800(A)? WD0HXV, N0FOP, N0QBH, KA0BLC, KF0OUA, W0AYE, W0RND.
444.800(D)? WD0HXV, N0QBH, KF0OUA, W0AYE, W0RND.
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This is a screen shot of the Meshtastic users in central Minnestota on March 25.
Normally, the microwave frequency signals only go a few miles.
However, do to some natural and unnatural enhancements, we we all able to hear each other.
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?
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Emergency Communications Exercise
On Sept. 10th there will be an Emergency Communications training exercise at Sibley State Park.? It is being presented/administered by a number of Emergency Management organizations within the state.? The Central MN Communications Unit (CM ARMER COMU), the State ECN (Emergency Communication Network), Sibley State Park and Kandiyohi County are the participating organizations.? CM ARMER COMU is the primary organizer.
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At Ace's (KB0MNU) request I spoke with Mike Wisniewski (KC0TAF), who is the Emergency Management director from Todd County and Heavily involved with the Emergency Communications at the state and regional level.? Mike, Ace, or anyone else, please correct me if I don't have this right -- The emergency communications protocol for the State includes Amateur radio as an auxiliary communications mode (AUX COMM).? It is used when other systems (ARMER?) can't get the job done.
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Mike and Ace are looking for Amateur Radio operators who would be willing to participate in the training exercise on Sept. 10, 2025.? Participation can be as simple as being an observer or you can be as involved as an AUX COMM operator.? ?They also have needs for more technical positions.? I think this is a good opportunity to see what emergency communications systems are used and how Amateur radio fits into them.? ?There will be other components of the Emergency Communications system at this training also.? I am planning on attending this training.
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Last August I attended the NORTHSTAR Emergency Communications training event at Camp Ripley.? A member of the Maple Grove Radio Club attended that event also and posted a good overview of it.? The link is here. ?? ?I believe that the Sibley State Park event will be similar but on a smaller scale.? 73
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Tony LaPatka - WD0HXV
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For any of you that might be interested - this was forwarded by our good friends with the Matanuska Amateur Radio Association in Alaska:
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FREE ON-LINE AMATEUR RADIO OPERATING CLASS
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A free, weekly, 3-hour Amateur Radio Operating Class on Zoom will begin on Thursday April 3 and run through June 19 at 6:30 PM Eastern time.? The presenters will be various experienced folks in the various subjects.
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A detailed syllabus will be published before the classes begin.? Attend them all, or any that you like, but you must register for the classes.? To receive registration information, contact Rol Anders, K3RA, at?roland.anders@....?
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Subjects will include:
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All About Operating--A general Introduction
Amateur Radio Organizations—Local to International
Ham Radio Awards
DXing-History and Tips from the Experts
QSLing-How to get that needed card for DXCC or WAS
VHF/UHF Weak Signal Work and “Roving”
Image Operating—Slow Scan and Fast Scan TV
Remote Station control over internet
Learning CW in the no-code era
Digital Modes—From RTTY to FT8 and beyond
Contesting—How to get started, tips for the beginner and intermediated contester
Logging Software—What’s available, how to use
Propagation—A general intro to HF Propagation
Amateur Satellites—How to get started
Portable (backpacking) operation—Tips from an expert
Setting Up a Modern (or not so modern) HF Station
Lightning Protection and Grounding
Traffic Handling
Public Service, Emergency Communications??????
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Thanks,
Rol, K3RA
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73,
KL4R Roger
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The pre net chat seems to be a hit as we had a nice group of check ins discussing the Buffalo Ham fest.
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146.91? ? ?WD0HXV, N0FOP, KF0OUA, W0RND, N0QBH, W0AYE, KF0FIK.
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147.03 ? ? WD0HXV, N0FOP, KF0OUA, N0QBH, KF0FIK.
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444.800 (A) ? WD0HXV, N0FOP, KF0OUA, W0RND, N0QBH.? ?
444.800 (D)? ?KF0OUA, W0RND, N0QBH.
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Re: Mid-Winter Madness Goodies...
Hey Steve!
I was over there for a bit too, just when the Doors open, I hit "Club Row".
Got a Membership application for QWCA around here somewhere that I picked up.
found my original Novice License Dated 05/31/85.
Almost 40 years already...?Geeze, Seems like Just yesterday, I was sitting at my kitchen table
with Ron, N0GCN (SK) taking my Novice Test, 5 WPM CW and the Written Exam...
Guess, I am Getting OLD...
73 de Randy....
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I thought I saw you across the room yesterday, but by the time I got over to that area, I couldn't find you again.? I made a few laps around the room, but didn't find anything I couldn't live without, so spent most of my time hanging out and helping at
the QCWA table.
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73
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-- 73 de Randy, WR0RR. (Ex: KA0UYL and N0GMX)
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Re: Mid-Winter Madness Goodies...
I thought I saw you across the room yesterday, but by the time I got over to that area, I couldn't find you again.? I made a few laps around the room, but didn't find anything I couldn't live without, so spent most of my time hanging out and helping at the QCWA table.
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73
?
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Mid-Winter Madness Goodies...
Well I did Blow some money this year......
I got a New Call-Sign Cap coming.... Blew 30 Bucks on that.
Also, I picked up a Rig-blaster Plus, No Power Supply,
But With a Cable That has an Eight Pin Microphone Cable on it,
I think I paid $20.00 for it.
I also Picked up a MFJ-1275 Multi-Mode Sound Card
Interface With a Eight Pin Mike Connector for $35.00,
Brand New, Still in the Box, Still in it's Plastic Wrapper.
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My next project will be to get The Antenna System up (Finally),
I have Antennas for H.F. and and my Cheap Crappy Dual Band,
antenna for VHF/UHF. Debating about getting a Better antenna
for 2m/70cm before I start Hoisting stuff on the roof...
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To tell you the truth, I have NO interest in Local Packet Radio, VARA,
or Whatever, I will probably Keep my interest in H.F. Packet Radio,
where I got my start, Believe it or not, on 10 meters with my
PK-232MBX and of all things, a Yeasu FT-101EE, at 300 Baud...
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- RR
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--
73 de Randy, WR0RR.
(Ex: KA0UYL and N0GMX)
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W0SW Sunday Nite Net Talley 3-16-25
We had another lively pre net chat with several of the check ins.
A new to the group Ham, Dan K0EDW joined us this evening. Welcome!
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146.91? ? ?WD0HXV, N0QBH, N0FOP, KF0OUA, K0EDW, W0AYE, KF0FIK.
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147.03 ? ? WD0HXV, N0QBH, N0FOP, KF0OUA, K0EDW, W0AYE, KF0FIK.
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444.800(A) ? ? WD0HXV, N0QBH, N0FOP, KF0OUA, K0EDW, W0AYE.
444.800(D)? ? ?N0QBH, K0EDW, KF0OUA.
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Buffalo MidWinter Madness Hamfest
Midwinter Madness - 2025
March 22nd, 2025
8:00AM – 12:00PM
Buffalo Civic Center
Located at 1306 County Rd 134, Buffalo MN 55313.
Approximately 1/2 Mile North of MN Highway 55 on CR134 (Calder Avenue). The site will be on the left side of Calder Ave as you head North.
Talk-in on the K0LTC Repeater?147.000 +600 CTCSS 114.8
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Midwinter Madness is a ham-fest put on by the Maple Grove Radio Club. There are vendors selling amateur radio equipment in addition to the door prizes. You do not need to be present to claim your prize your ticket ensures you will receive your prize. Please remember to dress warm the venue is normally an ice skating rink so a hat, coat, and boots are strongly suggested.
Admission:
- $10 (Includes $1.00 Raffle)
- Under 18 Free
Quality Door Prizes
Prize drawing to be held on March 22rd, 2025 at 11:30am, to be drawn individually
- 2 $170 BLF-1215A-K Bioenno Battery Kit
- 1 $129.95 Tigertronics Signal link USB
- 1 $104 Penta Labs 811A Triode Matched Set
- 1 $100 DX Engineering Gift Certificates
- 1 $100 Ham Radio Deluxe
- 2 $50 / 2 $25 ARRL Gift Certificates
- 1 $50 AMSAT SatPC32 Satellite Tracking Software
- 1 $39.95 N3FJP Software Package
- 2 $24 Heil Ham Radio T-Shirts
- 1 $20 Heil Ham Radio Handbook
- Easy Way Ham Books:
- $19.95 Extra Study Guide
- $19.95 General Study Guide
- $19.95 Technician Study Guide
- $19.95 Prepper communications
- $17.95 How to get on HF
- $17.95 How to chase, work, confirm DX
- 4 $20 Ham Radio Prep Phonetics Mug
- 2 $15 Hammond Manufacturing T-Shirts
Amateur Radio License Exams
- Saturday, March 22rd, 2025 ??Registration required!
- Exams start at 7:30 AM – ARRL VE fee $15.
- Email:?mwmve@...?for more information on license exams and registration.
What to bring to the License Exam Session:
- Details on what to bring will be emailed to you after registration.
Session fee $15.00 check or cash (prefer check made out to: ARRL/VEC)
Vendor/Club Registration
Advance table registration closes Wednesday March 9th. A limited number of tables may be available the day of the event.
- 8 foot Swap Table: $30.00 each
- Electricity: $15.00/vendor
- Club Table: $20.00 each (Clubs tables may not sell items.)
- Make check payable to “K0LTC, Inc.”
Complete the order form and state sales tax form. if needed. Print forms and mail with your payment to K0LTC, Inc PO Box 22613, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Details will be provided by email about Friday setup times once your table is confirmed.
Email:?swap @ k0ltc.org?with questions about table availability.
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There was some pre-net discussion about the new 2025 Yaesu mobile VHF/UHF radios and their shift away from digital.
According to the new radio's manuals, only two models still support a digital connection on the back of the radio.
FTM-510 and FTM150.
Worse yet (imho), only one model, the FTM-510 supports C4FM digital audio and has an on board GPS for APRS.?
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Folks like myself got spoiled with the FTM200, 300, 400 and 500 radios with all the features and a nice price tag.
I'd guess they just got more valuable on the used market.
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73
Mike N0QBH
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Below is some info on an upcoming SKYWARN training! All CERT members are welcome to attend!
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What: SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training
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When: Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Two identical sessions offered.
Session 1 – 1pm-3pm
Session 2 – 6:30pm-8:30pm
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Where:?Kandiyohi COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD BUILDING - 213 LAKELAND DRIVE NE
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How: Register with Jon Gilbertson at 320-235-5133 x 3803 or email?jon.gilbertson @ kcmn.us–?be sure to specify which session you will attend.
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Cost: Free
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SKYWARN?is a National Weather Service program designed to gather critical information during severe weather.?SKYWARN?volunteers receive training in storm identification and evolution, and when severe weather threatens?they can become storm spotters and may report directly to the local NWS office.
Storm spotters are the nation's first line of defense against severe weather, and they know that their efforts may ultimately help to save lives. Their information, when combined with sophisticated technology such as Doppler radar, satellite and lightning displays, helps NWS meteorologists in their primary mission - the issuance of warnings and advisories for the protection of life and property.
A Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service conduct will conduct this training.
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND
First responders including personnel from law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, public works, public utilities, amateur radio operators, CERT volunteers.
SKYWARN certifications are valid for three years. You're welcome to attend even if recently certified.
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W0SW Sunday net - WD0HXV net control.?
We had a great pre net chat with several of the world's problems solved!
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146.91? ? ?WR0RR, N0FOP, KF0OUA, N0QBH, W0AYE, WD0HXV.
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147.03? ? ? WR0RR, N0FOP, KF0OUA, N0QBH, W0AYE, WD0HXV.
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444.800(A)? ? ?N0FOP, KF0OUA, N0QBH, WD0HXV.
444.800(D)? ? ?KF0OUA, N0QBH, WD0HXV.
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Re: Meeker 147.300 keyups
Any update to the interference?
I didn't hear anything at my QTH on the input freq.
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73
Mike N0QBH
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The W0SW net welcomed Tony WD0HXV back from 7 land and running the Sunday night net.
Check-ins:
146.910? ? ?N0FOP, KF0OUA, WD0HXV, N0QBH, KF0FIK, W0RND, WR0RR.
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147.030? ? ? N0FOP, KF0OUA, WD0HXV, N0QBH, KF0FIK, W0RND, WR0RR.
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444.800? ?(A)? N0FOP, KF0OUA, WD0HXV, N0QBH, W0RND.
444.800? ?(D)? KF0OUA, WD0HXV, N0QBH, W0RND.
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Tonites discussion mentioned a change in the Yaesu mobile radio line up.
It appears some of the APRS support like built in GPS has gone away on the new models.
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73
Mike N0QBH
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Re: Meeker 147.300 keyups
I heard the 147.300 key up a few more times before I left for work at 4:00 p.m. I had the squelch set to zero and didn't hear anything come through on the reverse.?
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N0QBH Mike Berg
W0AYE Ben Wussow
WD0HXV Tony LaPatka