Re: #EFHW 40M - getting close to the finish #efhw

Jed Baer | KD0YMG

A little update: it's taking too long to get around to it, but this antenna is pretty much where it needs to be. I'll probably trim just a couple more inches, which I expect won't make much difference on 40M, but will improve 15 and 10 a bit. As it is, I'm happy that, with the exception of the very top end of 15 and 10, all 4 bands are below 2:1 across the spectrum.

?

The adjustable counterpoise was a bust. I really thought this would make a big difference in the SWR curve. For example, on the Buddistick antenna (center coil loaded), tuning is accomplished by changing the counterpoise length, and it's significant. Experimentation on Saturday showed no changes at all with the EFHW. I'm quite curious as to why this is. I will note that with the ferrite bead choke at the feed point, the coax shield should not be functioning as a counterpoise, but perhaps my expectations here are incorrect. FWIW, there are 6 beads in the choke; I don't recall the material - possibly 61. Maybe the counterpoise length I'm using is simply too short to matter? I initially chose a length of 10 feet based on a discussion over at QRZ. Is it worth it to try a much longer wire? (I don't remember the wire length for the Buddistick counterpoise.)

?

A few other points, just my observations from this deployment:

Plastic tent stakes are not the best - two of them broke
I want to put some flags on the stakes, too aid in making sure I've picked them all up
The "figure 9" cord devices work OK, but the ones I have are too big for "Handi Hundred" cord
I will paint the figure 9 devices, again, to aid in seeing them for pickup
I need a better guying solution - nothing serious here, just 1 more stake and easier deployment
I'm going to consider replacing the heavy tripod - possibly a painter pole. 3D printing models for the threaded end are on Thingiverse, so making a combo guy point and tie-off for the feed-end of the antenna should be simple.

?

Next outing, I'll get some screen shots of the SWR plots.

Re: TechFest volunteer sign up sheet is live!

#243

Hi Mark, I will look at the calendar at home and signup for this.

Thanks for all the hard work on this!

Corey

Show quoted text

On Aug 25, 2024, at 9:45 PM, Mark Ehr | K0EHR via groups.io <mark@...> wrote:

Hi all,
?
TechFest is fast approaching (I know it's still August, but Nov 2 will be here before we know it).?
?
I REALLY REALLY REALLY need some people to sign up to help out with the event this year. I have a heavy travel schedule this fall and my bandwidth will be very tight. If we're going to pull this off, I need club members to step up and pitch in.?
?
I have nearly nailed down all of the speaker slots, so I mainly need help on event logistics: setup/breakdown, food/beverage, PR, signage, talk-in, signage, etc.
?
I've created a sign-up sheet here:
?
Please check it out and sign up for whatever you can. Also if you're interested in being the lead in one or more of the areas, drop me a note to let me know please. It's more than OK for people to sign up for more than one thing, provided they don't conflict.
?
Thanks in advance,
?
Mark
--
---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

TechFest volunteer sign up sheet is live!

#242

Hi all,

?

TechFest is fast approaching (I know it's still August, but Nov 2 will be here before we know it).?

?

I REALLY REALLY REALLY need some people to sign up to help out with the event this year. I have a heavy travel schedule this fall and my bandwidth will be very tight. If we're going to pull this off, I need club members to step up and pitch in.?

?

I have nearly nailed down all of the speaker slots, so I mainly need help on event logistics: setup/breakdown, food/beverage, PR, signage, talk-in, signage, etc.

?

I've created a sign-up sheet here:

?

Please check it out and sign up for whatever you can. Also if you're interested in being the lead in one or more of the areas, drop me a note to let me know please. It's more than OK for people to sign up for more than one thing, provided they don't conflict.

?

Thanks in advance,

?

Mark

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: New portable from Yaesu, the FTX-1F

#241

It looks very cool. Rumor has it that it will also feature an optional antenna tuner and battery that click onto the back of the unit (although it appears that it's an either/or, e.g. not both at the same time). I'm sure price will be well North of $1K. It's about time that Yaesu released something to compete with the IC-705 and KX2!

?

73,

?

Mark

--

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Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

New portable from Yaesu, the FTX-1F

Jed Baer | KD0YMG

#240

?

The new FTX-1F is a portable transceiver utilizing SDR technology and provides 6W of power output with the 5670mAh Lithium-ion battery pack (Which enables 9-hours stand-alone operating time on the HF bands, SSB mode, and 8-hours operating time on the V/UHF bands, FM mode based on a 6-6-48 duty cycle). Up to 10W of power output is available when using an external DC power supply.

Early 2025.

?

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#239

Hi all,?

?

After some canvassing on potential speakers, I think we're looking in pretty good shape. Here's the tentative agenda:

?

Session 1: Ham radio in an HOA. Speaker: Stan Trout WB2SHR

Session 2: Improving transceiver performance (or another cool topic TBD). Speaker: Rob Sherwood NC0B

Session 3: Starhaven Observatory update aka "Jim and the kids". Speaker: Jim Moravek N0COT (and the "kids")

Session 4: RMHAM, Colorado Connection and Colorado Traffic Net (or a subset). Speaker: Willem Schreuder AC0KQ

Session 5: (tentative) Introduction to SDRs. Speaker:Steve Brightman KI5ENW (SDRPlay)

?

If Steve Brightman isn't able to present, I have a couple of backup speakers, including myself doing a session on digital mobile radio (DMR etc).

?

Things are looking much better now--thanks for all of the ideas and contacts. Next step is to start identifying some club members to help out with the various tasks like signage, PR, etc. I'll be in touch on that in the next week or two.

?

73,

?

Mark

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

Jed Baer | KD0YMG

#238

On Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:06:33 -0700
Mark Ehr | K0EHR wrote:

FYI I reached out to Willem Schreuder around presenting about RMHAM,
Colorado Traffic Net and Colorado Connection.Colorado Connection and the Traffic Net is a different group. I'm not sure
who runs things in the background. Possible points of contact would be
Leslie Varnicle or Ryan Gardner, K0CTR. They'll likely have a booth at the
DRC hamfest. Maybe better contact info:  -
hah, that's their "About" page URL.

Another possibility could be Jeremiah Bagula, to talk about ham
preparedness topics, maybe go boxes, batteries, solar, backup power...

-- 
Jed - KD0YMG -  - 
"... we have done as much with wireless telegraphy as is likely
to be done."; Sir William Preece, 1891

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#237

PS - Willem got right back to me and it sounds like he's on board with presenting. Great tip and a cool topic - thanks!

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: Need a net controller for 285 Tech Nets in September

#236

Thanks Jed! I'm happy to do the 3rd and 17th, so we're all set unless someone else wants to do the 3rd or 17th.?

?

I think it would be good to brainstorm on a topic to focus on for the nets, as a "seed" for getting the conversation rolling. I'll send you an email under separate cover with some ideas.

?

73,

?

Mark

?

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#235

On Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 04:15 PM, Jed Baer | KD0YMG wrote:

Willem Schreuder

FYI I reached out to Willem Schreuder around presenting about RMHAM, Colorado Traffic Net and Colorado Connection. I also sent a message through the RMHAM "contact us" box about suggesting a presenter.

?

73 and thanks,

?

Mark

?

--

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Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: Need a net controller for 285 Tech Nets in September

Jed Baer | KD0YMG

#234

On Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:33:03 -0700
Mark Ehr | K0EHR wrote:

If no one else steps up, I can take the 3rd and 17th but I'll be out of
town on the 10th so we definitely need someone to cover that date.I'll take the 10th.

-- 
Jed - KD0YMG -  - 
"... we have done as much with wireless telegraphy as is likely
to be done."; Sir William Preece, 1891

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#233

On Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 10:49 AM, Mark Edwards | W0QL wrote:

KI5ENW

Thanks Mark - I sent Robb and note and also sent Steve a message via LinkedIn. He's a hard one to track down as his email address isn't published anywhere! I'll keep you posted.

?

73,

?

Mark

--

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Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#232

Mark, Larry and Jed,

?

Thanks for the ideas; they’re all really good. I’ll reach out to all of them to see if they’re interested. Yesterday I also emailed 3 folks who have presented for the DRC in the past on topics of HF propagation, operating in an HOA, and transceiver performance or other topics (Rob Sherwood).?

I’m also thinking about presenting on digital operating (probably more DMR/Fusion/etc than FT8 et al).?

I’ll keep everyone posted as things progress?

?

73,

?

Mark

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#231

开云体育

Jed,

The U.S. rep for SDRPlay radios, Steve Brightman, KI5ENW, lives in Monument and had a booth at the Colorado Springs hamfest two weekends ago.? SDRPlay has recently released upgraded sdr radios.? I was talking with him and he said he has been doing in person presentations at clubs around Colorado.? I suspect he would be interested?in doing the TechFest if we asked him.? I first met him at Dayton a few years?ago when he was presenting and he is extremely articulate about sdr and the software.? Here is a snapshot of who is.? Unfortunately, I didn't get his contact information.? If you are interested, I can call HRO and see if Robb or Jeff have it.? Let me know.

73,

Mark - W0QL

P.S.? I loved Willem's talk at the TechFest a few years back when he was demonstrating a Raspberry Pi using it as a receiver.

Sent from

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Jed Baer | KD0YMG via groups.io <KD0YMG@...>
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 4:15 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [na0tc forum] TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

?

On Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:41:15 -0600
Larry Fagan | K0MHO via groups.io wrote:

> I would like to see the gentleman that covered the emergency network that
> spans from Cheyenne to New Mexico if I remember correctly.

You mean Allen Bishop? I wonder if BCARES uses RMHAM. A couple(?) years ago,
I had Willem Schreuder on tap for Techfest, but that was when we cancelled
due to COVID. Willem is deeply involved in RMHAM's network, and would
likely be quite happy to talk to us.

I've mentioned Alan Wolke - and I
still think a presentation on Smith charts would be great. I think most
hams would benefit from learning the basics there - I know I did. He would
be presenting remotely, unless he wants to make the trip here.

--
Jed - KD0YMG - -
"... we have done as much with wireless telegraphy as is likely
to be done."; Sir William Preece, 1891

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

Jed Baer | KD0YMG

#230

On Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:41:15 -0600
Larry Fagan | K0MHO via groups.io wrote:

I would like to see the gentleman that covered the emergency network that
spans from Cheyenne to New Mexico if I remember correctly.You mean Allen Bishop? I wonder if BCARES uses RMHAM. A couple(?) years ago,
I had Willem Schreuder on tap for Techfest, but that was when we cancelled
due to COVID. Willem is deeply involved in RMHAM's network, and would
likely be quite happy to talk to us.

I've mentioned Alan Wolke -  and I
still think a presentation on Smith charts would be great. I think most
hams would benefit from learning the basics there - I know I did. He would
be presenting remotely, unless he wants to make the trip here.

-- 
Jed - KD0YMG -  - 
"... we have done as much with wireless telegraphy as is likely
to be done."; Sir William Preece, 1891

Re: TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#229

开云体育

Mark,

I would like to see the gentleman that covered the emergency network that spans from Cheyenne to New Mexico if I remember correctly. Although he presented at one of our recent club meetings, I think the subject is both very interesting and germane to our spat of emergency situations, such as the fires, that threaten power lines and can interrupt some of our major communications.

It is fascinating to see people working outside the limelight quietly setting up an emergency contingency communication system for an unforeseen cataclysmic event.

Thanks for your time,

Larry

Show quoted text

On Aug 15, 2024, at 9:47 PM, Mark Ehr | K0EHR <mark@...> wrote:

Hi all,

?

As most of you probably know, we will be hosting our annual Tech Fest on Saturday November 2nd. The Tech Fest is an event where we have presenters cover technical topics of interest. As an example, last year we had presentations on the ARRL Clean Signal Initiative and Selecting an HF Transceiver, Using NanoVNAs, Amateur Radio and Starhaven Observatory, 3D Printing and APRS.?

?

I'm actively looking for hams that would be willing to present on an area of interest. The presentations will run approximately 45 minutes and can be PowerPoint, demonstrations, or any combination. Topics requested by last year's attendees were antennas, digital radio, operating with satellites, grounding, and using the club remote station.?

?

If you're interested in presenting, please send me a message.

?

Thanks and 73,

?

Mark

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

TechFest is approaching fast -- we need presenters!

#228

Hi all,

?

As most of you probably know, we will be hosting our annual Tech Fest on Saturday November 2nd. The Tech Fest is an event where we have presenters cover technical topics of interest. As an example, last year we had presentations on the ARRL Clean Signal Initiative and Selecting an HF Transceiver, Using NanoVNAs, Amateur Radio and Starhaven Observatory, 3D Printing and APRS.?

?

I'm actively looking for hams that would be willing to present on an area of interest. The presentations will run approximately 45 minutes and can be PowerPoint, demonstrations, or any combination. Topics requested by last year's attendees were antennas, digital radio, operating with satellites, grounding, and using the club remote station.?

?

If you're interested in presenting, please send me a message.

?

Thanks and 73,

?

Mark

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Need a net controller for 285 Tech Nets in September

#227

Hi everyone,

?

Robb will be out of town for a few weeks in September, so we're looking for someone to step in and serve as a substitute net controller for him on September 3, 10, and 17. If you're interested in helping out, please let me know and I'll set you up with the net script and can answer any questions.

?

If no one else steps up, I can take the 3rd and 17th but I'll be out of town on the 10th so we definitely need someone to cover that date.

?

Thanks and 73,

?

Mark

?

--

---------------------
Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog:

Important NA0TC September Meeting Location Change

#226

开云体育

Hello. ?

The September 7, 285 TechConnect Radio Club Meeting is scheduled to be adjacent to the Lakewood Stone House, 2900 S. Estes St., Lakewood, CO.

?

The September meeting location is near our regular meeting venue.

Robert Polson N0CFM, is setting up an on foot transmitter hunt starting at 9:30. ?if you are interested come by early to get the full experience. ?See below for details. Otherwise, just come by and bring your portable radios or handhelds for some fun playing and talking radio. ?There might be chairs and tables at the venue, but bring a chair just in case.

Looking forward to enjoying some fall weather. ?See you there.

Tony Montoya -K0mcw

K0mcw@...

285 TechConnect Radio Club Program Coordinator?

Show quoted text

Next Transmitter Hunt:?
On foot hunt at Bear Creek Greenbelt Park.?
2900 S Estes St.?

Date:?Saturday??September 7th, 2024(weather permitting)

Time:?Start 9:30am?-?End 12:30pm?
Frequency:
15 mW? ? ??146.445 MHz.?
15 mW? ? ??146.565 MHz. ( Will be well hidden)?
1/2 Watt? ??146.400 MHz.?
1 Watt?? ? ??146.490 MHz.?

Power: 1 watt, 1/2 watt, 15mW.
What the transmitter sounds like:
1 Watt and 1/2 Watt - A series of musical sounding tones followed by my Callsign in CW (N0CFM)?
15mW - My call sign (N0CFM) repeatedly in CW.?

Time of transmitters:
146.445 MHz. 45 seconds on 10 seconds off?
146.565 MHz. 45 seconds on 5 seconds off?
146.400 MHz. 45 seconds on 3 seconds off?
146.490 MHz.??50 seconds on 50 seconds off?

Boundaries: the transmitters will be within the Bear Creek Greenbelt Park. The location has Restrooms?

Hunt area:
North Boundary: West Yale Ave.?
West Boundary: South Estes St.?
South Boundary: stay within the greenbelt area NO transmitters will be hidden inside the apartments to the south.?
East Boundary: Wadsworth Blvd.?

Checkin: Will be the parking area on west side of greenbelt located at 2900 S Estes St.?
I will monitor the 146.550 Simplex Frequency during the hunt, or call me for any help during the hunt.?
(Remember not to transmit through attenuation devices.)?

My contact info: Robert
N0CFM@...
407-403-2658?
To get on the list for future hunts shoot me an email and I will add you to our list.?

Purpose: To further enjoy the amateur radio hobby, and socialize with our local amateur operators. As well as practice useful skills in radio direction finding. Please as always use your best judgment and safe practices in finding the hidden transmitter. The goal is to enjoy your hunt.

Link for building a 2 meter Tape measure antenna.?

If you do not have attenuation you can scroll up or down a few hertz to weaken the input signal.?

Can also use just an HT and body fading. Hold the HT close to your chest and spin around slowly. Listening for a null?

Having an actual attenuator helps a lot. Another method to attenuate when close to transmitter is listening to the third harmonic. Just multiply the transmitter frequency by 3 and enter that 440 MHz frequency into the radio. ( do not transmit through attenuator it can damage it)?

Lucille Ball, RF induction and transmitter hunting

#225

Who knew that Lucille Ball could explain RF induction and transmitter hunting through dental work to Dick Cavett?

?

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Mark Ehr | K0EHR

President, 285 Tech Connect Radio Club
Littleton, Colorado

k0ehr@...
Check out my ham radio blog: