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W0SW club will have an information and demonstration booth setup in the exhibition building that is directly East of the main gate at the Renville County Fairgrounds this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I will be at the booth Thursday and Friday from 4-9pm. If there's anyone willing to volunteer and man the booth on Wednesday please contact W0AYE Club or non-club members that would be available to monitor the 146.910- repeater to help with on the air demonstration and open to third party traffic would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help or have questions please contact me at w0aye.mn@... Thanks and 73

Hello Everyone, I received this email from https://DXMAPS.com I don't know if any of you have used this website in the past. I have used it many times years ago and I think it is a very good website for spotting current DX activities. Especially 6 meters for example. The way it works is for people to post their spotting reports on the site. Can be after working another ham on the band, or just receiving stations you heard. It covers all amateur bands. The email I am forwarding is a request for financial help. DXMaps are looking for supporters... Maybe someone here might have resources for them to move to and continue their operations elsewhere where it would be more affordable for them. If you've never been to their website before... I highly recommend it. KB?DCO Thomas Gagnon ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: DXMAPS support <service@...> Date: Sun, Aug 20, 2023, 6:01 AM Subject: DXMAPS needs your support To: <kb0dco@...> Dear Thomas (KB0DCO), You receive this one-time email as a registered user of DXMAPS.COM. If you already are a Supporter User and you have received it by mistake please disregard it and accept my apologies. DXMAPS requires a powerful dedicated server and a fast dedicated connection to Internet in order to offer a good response time and also to avoid service disruptions when there are many users connected simultaneously. Currently it is running on a server with two Xeon E5-2620 v2 sockets (12 cores and 24 logical processors), 64 GB of RAM and an ultrafast solid state disk, hosted in the datacenter of a well known hosting provider. You can get an idea of the workload of DXMAPS on the page https://dxmaps.com/sitestats.html Unfortunately, due to the decline of online advertising and the reduction in the number of radio amateurs, the yearly cost of renting and maintaining it has not been covered yet, so I have no choice but to ask all users who regularly use DXMAPS services and who can afford it, to voluntarily collaborate with some kind of donation, preferably becoming Supporter Users. If you want to become a Supporter User and thus collaborate so that DXMAPS can continue giving service in the coming months, please visit https://dxmaps.com/supporter.html Some of the benefits of being a Supporter User are: · No advertising will be shown to you. · Your callsign will appear highlighted on a yellow background on the maps. · Your callsign will have priority and will be shown on the maps on top of other stations in your own grid square. · Up to 50 queries per day to the DX database. · Unlimited number of queries to the Callbook and locator database. · Unlimited number of E-Mails with propagation alerts. · Unlimited number of DX spots sent. · Unlimited number of queries to the HF and VHF DX news. · Unlimited use of the DX Atlas and the online EME calculator. · Furthermore, you will be making possible the maintenance of the server and the implementation of new features in the future! I know these are hard times for everyone, so if your situation does not allow you to financially support DXMAPS, do not worry, you can continue using the service as until now, at least until we run out of funds. If at the time you registered as a DXMAPS user, but you are no longer interested in continuing to be one, login yourself at https://dxmaps.com/login.html and in the account details click 'Cancel account'. Many thanks in advance for your possible help! Gabriel - EA6VQ

I would like to do a hidden transmitter hunt in Willmar before the weather gets cold. I'm going to plan a little farther out and do the foxhunt on Saturday, September 23rd at 6:30pm. Meeting location will be at the outdoor archery range located north of Walmart at 6pm if you'd like to join, team up with other or discuss the hunt beforehand . The transmitter will be within Willmar city limits and on publicly accessible property. More information will be available as we get closer to the foxhunt and the rest of the details get worked out.

Hello members, This coming Friday, 9/1/2023 we will be enabling the 100hz CTCSS tone on the input of the 146.910- repeater. Both the input and output frequencies will have 100hz tones to help reduce interference and unwanted keying of the repeater. To ensure continued use of the 146.910- repeater, you will need to enable the CTCSS function and 100hz tone on transmit. Receive function will not be affected by this change.

I am getting active in the VHF/UHF world again after a long hiatus away. A bit of history... Back in the 1990's when I was active, packet radio was all the rage and my forte. We had a thriving packet THENET network here in the Willmar area with a 100' high wide area node (MNWIL) out at the college and another on the Spicer Dietz Bros tower at 150' (MNSPI). A UHF 9k6 baud backbone was constructed from Minneapolis to a high natural site near Cold Spring. That node fed St Cloud, Little Falls to the north and Willmar to the south. We had from 1 to 3 BBS services going at any time which were tied into the world network so you could "e-mail" other hams all over the world. We also seen our first "flame wars" there, a precursor to today. Several local hams had a personal computer attached serially to a TNC (packet modem). The modem has transmit, receive audio, built in PTT and connects to a 2m transceiver or even handheld. That was all you needed to get on the air. We had a blast! Fast forward to today - the Internet made packet radio seem obsolete and it evaporated. Ironically, in the packet era, the Internet was the Holy Grail. I discovered there was an active 2m 1k2 baud node operating in Willmar on 145.670 called WILMAR. I had some issues using it until I figured out it would only do a full connect if I used the alias WILMAR. I was trying to use the callsign associated WB0MNU-15. That doesn't do anything but connect and wait for a password or something. The rest of the MN network is at least 2 hops away during the day, and may be better at night. However, a local node allows the locals to either keyboard to keyboard qso or e-mail to other's personal mailboxes using modest antennas and power. Since most hams today don't have TNC modems, I'm experimenting with a software packet package called Direwolf. So far, I've found it works great to receive, but haven't the additional program(s) for full TNC capability located - yet. I am going to try make the Oct club meeting and meet the gang. 73 Mike Berg N0QBH

Does anyone know the last time a computer was connected to the WILMAR KB0MNU-15 packet TNC (modem)? How high is the antenna associated with it's radio? What kind of antenna? I noticed the TNC has it's CW Ider enabled. That's a network no-no. Causes interference that doesn't need to exist. It's for countries that require it, US isn't one. I noticed on some 145.67 maps a St Cloud node used to exist, but I'm not seeing it now. That could be an ideal hop from WILMAR to the rest of the network. As it stands now, we are kind of orphaned, at least during the day because of this. 73 Mike N0QBH

Good Afternoon, I just realized that I won't be able to run the Sunday evening net for the next 2 weeks, Sept. 24 & Oct. 1. I am looking for a volunteer or two. The script for the was posted here a couple of weeks ago. Please respond to this message if you're able to take one or both Sundays. Tony

A Cheapskate's Approach to Packet Radio (Part 1 receiving) Packet radio Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs) are packet radio modems capable of communicating with each other over the air using the AX.25 protocols running at 300, 1200 or 9600 baud. The radio side has connections for transmit and receive audio as well as the PTT (press to talk). The TNC also has a 12 volt power input and an async serial data connection allowing it to communicate with a computer (and human). When operating packet with VHF radios, most use 1200 baud because it works well with voice radios and is a relatively forgiving data mode. Since packet radio is an old digital mode, it's hardware is often found at hamfest flea markets. Some common brands were Kantronics, MFJ, Pacomm and AEA. Because the TNC's are often 30 years old, they sometimes need some TLC to use them again. My point here is your mileage may vary. Another option that can work well is a virtual software TNC running on your computer. This method uses the computer's sound card to listen for and emit the 1200 baud modem audio (packet racket the old timers called it). While there are likely options for every computer type, I'll discuss a popular Windows program suite. A Ukrainian Ham named Andre UZ7HO has created and maintained a popular packet radio program who's latest version is called soundmodem114. He also has a terminal program called easyterm49 that operates seamlessly with soundmodem running. The terminal program provides the user a TNC like interface that is functional and uncluttered while soundmodem is like the packet "engine under the hood". Installing: Andre's packet radio TNC webpage: http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm The 3 files needed: soundmodem114.zip easyterm49.zip user_guide114_EN.zip I created a sub directory named /packet which holds the unzipped programs. Unzip the downloaded files to your new directory. Make desktop shortcuts for the programs. The user_guide114_EN.zip is a very handy .pdf document. Receiving packets: The following assumes your computer soundcard's MIC input is connected to a 2 meter FM radio's audio out. This usually takes a 1/8" stereo connector patch or jumper cord. Set the frequency to a packet channel like 145.670 (local node WILMAR) or 144.390 APRS. You'll want some activity to see things work. First start the soundmodem114 program. Then start the easyterm49 program. The unplugged volume should be adjusted low audible with squelch open. When the program is running and it's hearing the radio's open squelch, the effects should be visible on the waterfall display. An outdoor antenna will likely yield much more packet activity than one indoors, which will likely only hear the local node WILMAR. When a packet is decoded you will see it a a lot of info on the soundmodem screen, while the easyterm screen is much more like what you would see with a real TNC. Once you get it working, one of the fun things to do is listen in on the International Space Station (ISS) when they pass overhead several times a day on 145.825 MHz. You might even hear me use them as a APRS digipeater, sending the world my location. 73 Mike N0QBH

In the first installment I discussed getting set up for packet reception. In this article I'll describe the transmitting side of packet radio. Most packet operators use their base station 2 meter mobile FM transceiver as the radio. Many of these newer radios have built in data connections, which makes things much easier. Else you take over the mic connection. Unless you are handy with fine, unforgiving soldering, buying custom cables from a reputable source can save a lot of aggravation. If you insist on attempting to solder your own, number #1 tip is to plug the connector you are soldering on, to a mating connector. This will keep the pins straight when the plastic gets soft. Tip #2 small amounts of liquid flux are your friends - particularly when tinning wires and also when making connections. Alcohol cleans up. The next question is what kind of TNC modem am I going to use? There are two paths here, hardware or software. Hardware would be a 1200 baud TNC with radio Tx, Rx and PTT, along with DC power and the serial data connection. Since most newer computers do not have async serial ports, you will need a Keyspan serial to USB interface. Don't forget the serial cables and possibly adapters. While most use computers running a serial terminal program to talk to the TNC, I've seen the truly nerdy use RS232 to Bluetooth adapters and communicate via tablet or fone. Software TNC setups use a radio to computer interface. Besides RF isolating and handling the transmit and receive audio, they usually incorporate a VOX type PTT to key the radio when there's data to send. I personally use and recommend the Signalink USB external soundcard modem. Others prefer the Rig Runner, altho I am not familiar with it. The most important thing to remember is you are going to be transmitting and like good Hams, we care about our signal. Besides frequency, there are two things under your control, power and deviation (loudness). Power is simple. Don't use more than you need to get the job done. Accessing a local node using your outdoor antenna will likely work fine at 5 Watts. Save the 50 Watts for when you need it. This would be a good place to point out many packet stations with a nearby node use Hand Held radios with an external antenna. Trying to use the rubber duck antenna often leads to all sorts of weird RFI issues. The packet transmit deviation adjustment is best with a radio service monitor, altho, the "by ear method" seems to work well in most cases for us mere mortals. Like I said earlier, deviation is how loudly the audio data signal is driving the transmitter can be either adjusted internally on most TNCs or on the front panel of the Signalink USB adapter. The "by ear method" requires a second radio to listen to your transmitted signal while you adjust the volume. The TNCs all have a CALibrate command to key the transmitter with alternating 1200 and 2200 Hz tones. Software TNCs usually require the packet program provide a calibrate function. In either case, choose an unused simplex frequency or, better yet, use a dummy load to transmit into while you are adjusting. The idea is to turn up the deviation adjustment to the transmitter until the signal heard at the receiver doesn't get any louder (without distorting), then lower it until the signal is just noticeably quieter. The way this works is most radios will limit deviation at about 4.5 kHz and your goal is 3 kHz. Once you are set, it's time to try it out with the KB0MNU packet node. It's on 145.670 MHz simplex and responds to it's alias WILMAR. (Note the spelling - we're limited to 6 chars). When you are connected, type help or ? to get a cheat sheet on using the node. I'm including this link to an old, but very comprehensive packet radio primer. It's broken down in to sections, most of the networking stuff is not necessary and apt to be confusing. https://choisser.com/packet/ 73 Mike N0QBH

This link is chock full of info about ham radio TNC modems. https://tarpn.net/t/faq/faq_tnc.html 73 Mike N0QBH

Thank you, kindly!! i would certainly like to join your club. Richard Klingler KF0LKG

Hello members, The clubs quarterly meeting is coming up on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad building. The address is 213 Lakeland Dr NE Willmar, Mn 56201

What I find interesting - TARPN seems to have figured out how to implement forward error correction (FEC) to AX.25 packets. Packet's greatest downfall has always been lack of robustness - one error and the packet is trash. This could change. Another thing is they have figured out how to use mobile radios that claim to support 9600 baud packet (but never did very well) by reducing the speed in half to 4800 baud. I plan to build and test their NinoTNC with a couple of Yaesu FT-2600 2m radios that fall into the above mentioned category. https://tarpn.net/t/packet_radio_networking.html 73 Mike N0QBH

Hello, Ben!! I enjoyed chatting with you the other evening! I am grateful for your willingness to help with digital radio questions. Did you mention that there are some HAMS in Redwood, or Wabasso, that could assist me with a system for our hospital?? I am stuck behind a tech curve due to my age and never being in the VHF and repeater realm. Thank you for your interest!! With regards, Richard Klingler KF0LKG

Hello Gang, I came across this important article about the National Traffic System. Which we really should all be familiar with in our amateur radio hobby. It looks like they are making some changes/updates this year in 2023 with this system NTS 2.0. https://tinyurl.com/NTS20VIDEO (The Video) https://tinyurl.com/NationalTrafficSystem (The Article) https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-NTS-20 (The Website) So please let us have a discussion about this subject at our next radio club meetings. On what we can do to practice and get familiar with on how to use this system. (Including when and where these nets are to pass traffic on.) Especially for emergency communications. And also our clubs can benefit with some points during field day too. And “REPLY ALL” so everyone within our 3 clubs can see your comments on this topic after everyone has a chance to discuss this topic in your respective club meetings. I am looking forward in finding out how many people are interested in the National Traffic System. And how we all can participate in it. DE KB?DCO Thomas Gagnon Cell: 320-552-0859 P.O. Box 4 Stewart, MN 55385

Tony WD0HXV & I removed the WILMAR (note the spelling) node TNC from it's normal location under the LEC big tower Friday. This was done to change the node callsign from Ace Bonnema's KB0MNU to the Willmar EAR club callsign W0SW and to check over the health of the unit. I also turned off the CW ider as it is bad for the network and not required in the US. Tony and I tentatively plan to reinstall it Sunday. I'm hoping to cobble together a packet station for the meeting Tuesday and demo it to the troops. 73 Mike N0QBH

Just a note with a new subject line - the WILMAR packet radio node is on line and open to ALL licensed Ham users. It's frequency is 145.670 MHz simplex. The packet data rate is 1200 baud. WILMAR is the node's alias and it has to conform to callsign max length of 6 characters. That's why it's spelled wrong :) A node's job is to act as a relay with good ears and a powerful "voice" due to it's antenna being on a commercial tower. This lets it connect weaker or more distant stations to each other, who normally don't hear each other well, much like a repeater does for voice comms. The WILMAR node responds to three different callsigns which have different purposes. To use the "relay" feature you connect to the alias WILMAR by typing c wilmar then press enter. Once connected, typing c and the call of the station you want initiates a connect attempt. To use the mailbox feature you instead connect to W0SW-1 by typing c w0sw-1 then enter. Once connected you will get a short menu of choices and typing h for a help menu. The main thing to remember is you really can't break anything beyond your own station and if you get frustrated, take a break. The 3rd callsign is last because it does nothing if you connect to it. W0SW is for connecting to a person sitting at the node. Normally it is unattended. This link is broken up into easy to digest parts and covers packet radio end to end. Even if it's 25 yrs old! https://choisser.com/packet/ Also, I'm looking for a contact with the StCloud club who would know about their node on 145.67 MHz. We need it working! 73 Mike N0QBH

Early Packet Radio in central MN In 1991 when I got my Ham radio licence the other technical "rage" was Bulletin Board Services (BBS) which operated over phone lines with dial up modems allowing us to read and send messages (think early email) with our computer. The downside of BBS activity was cost. It was usually long distance to any of the bigger, non local BBS's, so the meter was always running. On the other hand, I'm sure the phone companies loved it. After I had gotten my feet wet in amateur radio, mainly in the VHF and UHF FM operations, I discovered Hams also communicated with computer modems over radio channels at whopping speeds of 300 and 1200 baud! Early on, a group of Hams from Tuscon, AZ designed and sold a modem kit called a Terminal Node Connector 2 (TNC2). It was an instant hit and several companies cloned the design, putting it in range of the typical ham for around $100. The TNC was connected to the computer with a serial cable and to the radio's microphone connection. This facet of ham radio took off, primarily because hams also tended to be early adopters of personal computers and love new gadgets. Our local college in Willmar had a wireless communication program that was very popular turning out two way radio technicians. It's instructor, Roger Williams W0WUG(sk) had a packet station at the lab and it was using a 100' tall tower, one of two the school had for training. As a result of it's height and quality installation, it had a wide coverage and many area hams used it to get on packet radio. About the same time Ham programmers were creating BBS and network software (mostly free) designed for radio use that also included message forwarding and routing routines. BBS programs were computer based while network modems were EPROM replacements for the TNC2 that eliminated the user interface and used intelligent algorithms to route the traffic. In essence, a network for Packet Radio was evolving before our eyes. Hams with high locations, like myself, were able to connect to these packet radio networks at night that were starting to appear in Minneapolis and St Cloud. It made us want more... One of the local hams, Dick Butler W0RIM(sk), had connections to the St. Cloud Ham club and made the introductions to Hank Koch NF0H(sk), Ed Steinblock K0VU(sk) and Jack Maus W0MBD(sk). Hank was already running a BBS, but found the connection to Minneapolis to be very unreliable. We all agreed a designated "backbone" that would move the traffic between us and the metro was needed. The result was a UHF (446 MHz) path extending from the west metro to a 1400' site east of Cold Spring. The Cold Spring site had a line of sight path to the Mpls "node" and a clear north-south path to St Cloud and my QTH on Ringo Lake near Spicer. Frankly, we were very fortunate geography was our friend. We used cutting edge (at the time) 9600 baud radio modems grafted to network TNCs for greatly increased throughput. At the time, the radio transceivers had to be modified to work at 9600 baud, so I turned to Roger W0WUG(sk) and a student of his Joel N0NCO, from Ridgewater Wireless to teach me how. I might also add another of Roger's former students, Dan Karg WB0GDB, was also active in packet radio and created the 9600 baud connection at the Minneapolis end. This, in turn, connected us to the rest of the packet radio BBS "world". With a solid connection in place, we had two local access BBSs running on each end for a total of four. Two in St Cloud, one at Ringo Lake and one in Willmar. About the same time I procured a rent free location at the 150' level on a 500' tower near Spicer. This was a wide area access node running 50W on VHF (145 MHz) and 1200 baud. With it, hams from a 30 mile radius could easily access the two local BBSs as well as other hams on this network. It was called MNSPI and served the packet community until the tower site was sold and we had to vacate around 2000. One of the earlest users of the Internet were Ham radio packet operators using "wormholes" between universities (where the Internet resided in those days). These w