CW Practice / Rag Chew Session - Early Morning Saturday
I will be doing another CW on the air practice session Saturday?Morning at 13:00 UTC / 8:00 AM EST. Anyone is welcome. This practice is intended for operators who are new to CW or they need some practice. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR YOUR CW IS. Mistakes are OK. Poor fists are OK. Slow speed is OK. Really slow speed is OK. This practice is meant for you to improve your CW. I will do my best to adjust to your skill level. Operate at any power level. If several stations show up, I will operate as a round-table control station. I will do it as a round-table so everyone gets a chance to transmit. Please listen to my directions.
I checked propagation using VOACAP and the Ham contest calendar. It looks like 40 should be OK. I am a bachelor this weekend so my calendar opened up. Plan on being on the air for at least several of hours on Friday. I will need some breaks. I am also looking at morning sessions on Saturday and Sunday. I will send out separate notices for them if they are a go.
Details:
Time - 13:00 UTC / 8:00 AM EST
Band - 40 Meters
How to find me - I will find a clear frequency and call CQ. Go to the Reverse Beacon Network and search for my call sign AB8DF.
That will tell you what frequency I am on. Tune your station to that frequency and if you hear me give me a call. If there is a QSO in progress, please wait for a break in the action. Then send your callsign. If I hear you, I will invite you to join the QSO and start a round-table QSO.
Reply to this email if you have questions.
IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR CW IS
Ed
AB8DF
|
Couple of note on Aluminum elements...
?
For older antennas ScotchBright (green pads)? to initially clean the
joints inside and out.? I just wrap some of that around a small
dowel and stuff it in and work it around to clean up the inside.
?
Then smear on some penetrox/noalox or similar and assemble
and tighten clamps.
?
I assemble new with that stuff and they come apart easier?
and the connections are always good, even decades later.
?
A little on threads keep them happier and less likely
to rust or gall.
?
--
Allison
--------------------------
Please, private email goes to bit bucket
|
The monthly NAQCC Sprint runs from 7:30 to 9:30 PM CST this evening.
The rules below apply to ALL sprints unless specifically changed for a particular sprint. In that case the webpage for that sprint will explain the rule changes.
Date and time:See the 'Contests/Sprints' link at the left for dates and times for the latest, current, and upcoming sprints.
Bands - Frequencies:80M - 3555-3565 kHz (Be courteous to FISTS operating on 3558 kHz)40M - 7030-7045 kHz20M - 14059-14065 kHzQSOs for our regular sprints are limited to those three bands. However the frequency ranges are expandable up and down to allow for our greatly increased participation. Don't stray overly far though, or you may not be found. For our special 160M sprint in January operating in the neighborhood of 1810 kHz is recommended.
General:A particular station may be worked once on each band. Operate CW only.All licensed amateurs are invited to participate and submit logs, but only club members operating QRP (5 watts or less) are eligible for awards.All entries must be single-op, single-xmtr. No multi-op, multi-xmtr, SO2R, etc. We want our sprints to be basic simple events friendly and fair to all participants, and not favoring the big contest stations and operators.
Call:CQ NA
Exchange:Members send:- RST
- SPC (State, Province, or "DX")
- NAQCC Membership Number
For example:559 MI 675
Non-members send:- RST
- SPC (State, Province, or "DX")
- Transmitter power (digits, followed by "W")
For example:559 NY 5W To reduce confusion, it is strongly suggested that you include both your call and the call of the other party in your exchange, e.g.W1ABC DE K3XYZ TU 579 PA 13408 Please do not append "/QRP" to your callsign in either your exchange or in your log.
QSO Points:QSO with a member, 2 points.QSO with a non-member, 1 point.
Multipliers:Each USA stateEach VE provinceEach country except W/VEAll multipliers count only once in the sprint.
Categories:We have two operating categories based on the antenna used. The two categories are...Simple Wire Antennas (SWA) - for those using a simple wire antenna per??for all contacts.Gain Antennas (GAIN) - for those using an antenna other than a simple wire antenna.If you use a combination of SWA and GAIN antennas, all QSO's with both types of antennas count, but you must enter in the GAIN category.Within each of these categories there are three sub-categories (new for 2015) based on the keying device that is used. The three sub-categories are:- Straight Key (SK)
- Semiautomatic Bug (BUG)
- Keyer/Keyboard (K/K)
See the club??for our definitions of these keying devices.
Mark Prather - WB9HFK
Celebrating my 53rd year as an Amateur Radio (Ham) Operator.
|
January 2025 QRP Quarterly
Table of Contents
Magnetic Tape for your Key—Dave Koberstein—N9DK
Filtering and the “No Free Lunch” Syndrome—Dave Benson—K1SWL
Fixing a 6BTV—Mike Dooley—N5BGZ
Antennas for Pedestrian Mobile—Peter Parker—VK3YE
A Michigan Mighty Mite Revival at FDIM—Ed Kwik Jr.—AB8DF, and Ernie
Antczak—W3ETE
Understanding Magnetics-Inductors and Transformers: A Tutorial—Mert
Nellis—W?UFO (SK)
Hiking and Hamming at Allatoona Pass—Steve Hudson—AA4BW
Business Travel, QRP, SOTA and DX Contacts—John Leonardelli—VE3IPS
DX Tips for the QRPer—Dan Walker—WG5G
CFTI Transceiver Review—Charlie Brown—NJ7V
The Matoa MPM SDR Radio—Marty Wittrock—KN?CK
How to Operate Pedestrian Mobile—Paul Signorelli—W?RW
A First Activation SOTA and a POTA in one—Dave Koberstein—N9DK
WOW!!? Man this is a NICE issue.
The QQ will be at the mailer by the end of this week, depending on
winter weather.
de Brian
-- 72 de KB9BVN
|
I use Silver GOOP.? Works great but expensive, 73 Ev WA2BHS
Thank you for the reply JAY, NO, WE ARE UP NEAR Sacramento....in that old Creadence song,? stuck in Lodi again" BTW, that is true. I was on Lodi PD at the time, and the Co. sheriff called us for mutual aid, but the co. sups canceled them as TOO HIPPY? :)? ?73,? Mike
> On 01/14/2025 2:48 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via <jbhnal46=[email protected]> wrote:
>
>?
> Mike,
>
> Thanks for the information.
>
> I will be heading up to Home Depot for a previous suggestion. Your 87
> year old brain is functioning very well, my friend.? I have saved your
> reply for future reference.
>
> I see that your call is from CA.? I do hope that you are not located
> within or close to the disastrous fires that have exploded in the 6 call
> area.? I do hope that you and your family are safe.
>
> 73 & 72,
>
> Jay
> AJ4AY
> Mobile, AL
>
>
>
>
> On 1/14/2025 4:25 PM, MIKE N6ZW via wrote:
> > Yo Jay, my 87 year old brain had to search for my bottle of PENETROX, electrical joint compound. My bottle says it was made by BURNDY. Hope that helps, Mike n6zw
> >> On 01/14/2025 1:54 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via <jbhnal46=[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >>? ?
> >> Hello to the group,
> >>
> >> My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
> >>
> >> I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I
> >> can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity
> >> between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
> >>
> >> TIA & 72/73
> >>
> >> OF AJ4AY
> >> Mobile, AL
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
|
Thank you for the reply JAY, NO, WE ARE UP NEAR Sacramento....in that old Creadence song, stuck in Lodi again" BTW, that is true. I was on Lodi PD at the time, and the Co. sheriff called us for mutual aid, but the co. sups canceled them as TOO HIPPY :) 73, Mike
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 01/14/2025 2:48 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via groups.io <jbhnal46@...> wrote:
Mike,
Thanks for the information.
I will be heading up to Home Depot for a previous suggestion. Your 87
year old brain is functioning very well, my friend.? I have saved your
reply for future reference.
I see that your call is from CA.? I do hope that you are not located
within or close to the disastrous fires that have exploded in the 6 call
area.? I do hope that you and your family are safe.
73 & 72,
Jay
AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
On 1/14/2025 4:25 PM, MIKE N6ZW via groups.io wrote:
Yo Jay, my 87 year old brain had to search for my bottle of PENETROX, electrical joint compound. My bottle says it was made by BURNDY. Hope that helps, Mike n6zw
On 01/14/2025 1:54 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via groups.io <jbhnal46@...> wrote:
Hello to the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I
can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity
between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
We just use pig fat here in the Hoosier state!
<grin>
How you doing Jay?
de KB9BVN
On 1/14/2025 4:54 PM, Jay AJ4AY via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello to
the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger
folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the
joints.? I can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the
RF integrity between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
--
72 de KB9BVN
|
Mike,
Thanks for the information.
I will be heading up to Home Depot for a previous suggestion. Your 87 year old brain is functioning very well, my friend.? I have saved your reply for future reference.
I see that your call is from CA.? I do hope that you are not located within or close to the disastrous fires that have exploded in the 6 call area.? I do hope that you and your family are safe.
73 & 72,
Jay
AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 1/14/2025 4:25 PM, MIKE N6ZW via groups.io wrote: Yo Jay, my 87 year old brain had to search for my bottle of PENETROX, electrical joint compound. My bottle says it was made by BURNDY. Hope that helps, Mike n6zw
On 01/14/2025 1:54 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via groups.io <jbhnal46@...> wrote:
Hello to the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I
can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity
between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
Buck K4IA,
Thank you for the information.? After digging for a few minutes, it seems that my local Home Depot actually has this product in stock.? Now, to find aisle 47, bin 001.
I believe that after a couple of maintenance hours and setting up the auto tuner, I may have this stick of aluminum functioning again.? I'll see how well the ground plane works with the tuner and aluminum on the bands.
73 and thanks for the help Buck.? Hope to catch you on the bands.
Jay
AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 1/14/2025 4:00 PM, Buck K4IA via groups.io wrote:
NoAlOx
Buck, K4IA
Honor Roll
8BDXCC
Author EasyWayHamBooks.com
License and Operating Manuals
On 1/14/2025 4:54 PM, Jay AJ4AY via groups.io wrote:
Hello to the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
Yo Jay, my 87 year old brain had to search for my bottle of PENETROX, electrical joint compound. My bottle says it was made by BURNDY. Hope that helps, Mike n6zw
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 01/14/2025 1:54 PM PST Jay AJ4AY via groups.io <jbhnal46@...> wrote:
Hello to the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I
can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity
between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
NoAlOx
Buck, K4IA
Honor Roll
8BDXCC
Author EasyWayHamBooks.com
License and Operating Manuals
On 1/14/2025 4:54 PM, Jay AJ4AY via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello to
the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger
folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the
joints.? I can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the
RF integrity between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
Hello to the group,
My 78 year old brain had a brain fart and I need some younger folks help.
I am rebuilding an aluminum vertical and cleaning all of the joints.? I can't remember what the lubricant(??) is to ensure the RF integrity between joints.? Any help is appreciated.
TIA & 72/73
OF AJ4AY
Mobile, AL
|
All:
If you're attending FDIM, note that hotels are filling up fast and rates have tripled so make those reservations soon!
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 12:44:17 PM EST, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:
Hey gang,
When you register for Four Days in May, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make
sure your name and callsign and what you are ordering is in the
Paypal comments.
Also...once I have logged your registration, fdim@... will
send you an email with a link to the discounted hotel rooms.?
This email will ONLY go to the email address that is with you paypal
payment.
The website has been updated.? Let me know
if you see anything that needs corrected.
Thank you
De KB9BVN
Brian Murrey
-- 72 de KB9BVN
|
Hey gang,
When you register for Four Days in May, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make
sure your name and callsign and what you are ordering is in the
Paypal comments.
Also...once I have logged your registration, fdim@... will
send you an email with a link to the discounted hotel rooms.?
This email will ONLY go to the email address that is with you paypal
payment.
The website has been updated.? Let me know
if you see anything that needs corrected.
Thank you
De KB9BVN
Brian Murrey
-- 72 de KB9BVN
|
CW Practice / rag chew session FRIDAY
I will be doing another CW on the air practice session?Friday Evening at 23:00 UTC / 6:00 PM EST. Anyone is welcome. This practice is intended for operators who are new to CW or they need some practice. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR YOUR CW IS. Mistakes are OK. Poor fists are OK. Slow speed is OK. Really slow speed is OK. This practice is meant for you to improve your CW. I will do my best to adjust to your skill level. Operate at any power level. If several stations show up, I will operate as a round-table control station. I will do it as a round-table so everyone gets a chance to transmit. Please listen to my directions.
I checked propagation using VOACAP and the Ham contest calendar. It looks like 40 should be OK. I am a bachelor this weekend so my calendar opened up. Plan on being on the air for at least several of hours on Friday. I will need some breaks. I am also looking at morning sessions on Saturday and Sunday. I will send out separate notices for them if they are a go.
Details:
Time - 23:00 UTC / 6:00 PM EST
Band - 40 Meters
How to find me - I will find a clear frequency and call CQ. Go to the Reverse Beacon Network and search for my call sign AB8DF.
That will tell you what frequency I am on. Tune your station to that frequency and if you hear me give me a call. If there is a QSO in progress, please wait for a break in the action. Then send your callsign. If I hear you, I will invite you to join the QSO and start a round-table QSO.
Reply to this email if you have questions.
IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR CW IS
Ed
AB8DF
|
20m Walk for the Bacon Slow Code Sprint is this week!
The Walk for the Bacon Slow Code sprint is held for one hour on
Wednesday and Thursday evening this week.
Speed limit is 13 WPM, anyone can compete!
20m WFTB runs on the third Wednesday and Thursday of
every month. ? The Wednesday
night sprint
begins at 00:00Z Wednesday evening for 1 hour from 00:00Z to 01:00Z,
then it continues
Thursday night from 02:00Z to 03:00Z. ?
All logging is done on the autologger.
Evening of Wednesday January 15th at 00:00Z to 01:00Z on
20m 14061 Khz to 14065 Khz.? (7P to 8P EST)
Evening of Thursday January 16th at 02:00Z to 03:00Z on
20m 14061Khz to 14065 Khz. (9P to 10P EST)
WFTB Autologger is at:?
Use the autologger, no logs to submit.
If you need an FP# go to and click on the red
membership button at the bottom of the page.
de KB9BVN
Brian
FP -57
-- 72 de KB9BVN
|
4 State QRP January Sprint - Tonight!
Monthly 4 State QRP Sprint - Tonight 7 to 9 PM CST!
Mark Prather - WB9HFK
Celebrating my 53rd year as an Amateur Radio (Ham) Operator.
|
Call for Articles - January 2025 edition Flying Pigs Bacon Bits Quarterly Newsletter
Gang,
This is my last call for articles. I am requesting your input for the January 2025 issue of the BBQ.
Please send your submissions to editor@...
I prefer to receive your contributions in the following formats if possible: .doc, .pdf, .jpg, .txt, or .odt
Your articles can be about outings you've had, projects you're working on, antennas, SOTA/POTA/WWFF adventures, and just about anything amateur radio related with a slant toward QRP.
I look forward to receiving your articles and thanks for your input!
O. Alan Jones
N8WQ
BBQ Editor
FP #4371
|
|
|
Re: 4 State QRP Sprint - Sunday Evening
This is a good sprint folks.? Give it a try.
Thanks Mark
On 1/11/2025 11:55 AM, Mark WB9HFK via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
The monthly 4 State QRP
Sprint is this Sunday evening from 7 to 9 PM CST.
Mark Prather - WB9HFK
Celebrating my 53rd year as an Amateur
Radio (Ham) Operator.
--
72 de KB9BVN
|
Brian KB9BVN
Buck K4IA
jjpurdum
Alan N8WQ