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WCARG Publicity!
Dave / Lee, Bullet Point Mounting System liked my truck radio install so much, they publicized it on their FB page! https://www.facebook.com/share/1FkxKJKoVC/?mibextid=wwXIfr The top picture is the dash mount in myb2021 Ram! You'll notice VFOA & B. Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free *Seek to be better today, than you were yesterday N5DRI, WSCT237 830-992-1334 https://www.qrz.com/db/n5dri Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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Seeking logging software recommendations for go-kit operations, voice modes.
3
For the past year, I’ve mainly worked FT8/4 digital modes, and automated logging to QRZ and LoTW is built-in to WSJT-x + Gridtracker. However, I’m seeking options to logging (HF) voice QSO’s. Preferably a solution that works on the iOS / iPad, so as to not bring a laptop into an outdoor environment. Thanks
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Thanks to those who provided Field Day feedback, Version 2 of my go-kit is on the air. Major motocross event, outside Decatur, Tx. Motorhome setup near tracks junk pile allowed me to raise my painters pole in between pallets of cider blocks. Make contact with a POTA station on 20m. Photos attached.
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Now: WCARG Meeting - Saturday, March 8, 2025
#cal-notice
WCARG Meeting When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 9:00am to 10:30am (UTC-06:00) America/Chicago Where: Walker County Storm Sherlter, 445 TX-75 Huntsville, TX GPS: 30.73614, -95.58279 Organizer: WCARG w5hvl@groups.io View Event Description: Monthly meeting of the Walker County Amateur Radio Group followed by amateur radio license testing
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New Project for WCARG plus upcoming Ham Cram!
2
An update on a new radio project plus- We can use more ARRL instructors! Ryan has made it very easy to teach and certification is simple also! Please contact Russ NR5US or myself for more information. We are sharing a copy of the most recent communication with the instructor team so you can see what we are working on. Greetings instructors! I have been in contact with Joe Schorre who is the newly appointed emergency manager at the Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Joe, who is cc;d on this e-mail has committed to a ham cram course on April 26, 2025! Now, the 26th is the fourth Saturday, not the third which is my lack of paying attention. As you all recall, Jeff Froehner, KI5VNR works at HMH and with Joe. Jeff and Joe are spearheading plans to expand ham radio at the hospital and hopefully have a functional HF station on the air soon! As we all know, the hospital can be the main focal point for communications during emergencies and disasters. I applaud Jeff and Joe in their efforts! The WCARG is committed to this worthwhile endeavor and will provide technical expertise and "boots on the ground" if needed. Ryan, can you please forward your "ham Cram" packet to Joe? I briefed him that you will follow up with information to get started and the importance of obtaining an FRN number to take the test. Additionally, this would be an excellent opportunity recruit other "LIT" instructors to participate. Anyone wishing to cover my module 5 would be welcomed! Let's get the word out! Scott, can you make arrangements for the airport and follow up with the this group? Who's bringing doughnuts? Hi-Hi.........! Many thanks to our "ham cram" team for your commitment to our club and the community! 7 3 and God Bless Russ Cooper NR5US, VP WCARG
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See attached for details. (Thanls for sharing K5YNU) Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free *Seek to be better today, than you were yesterday N5DRI, WSCT237 830-992-1334 Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, February 22, 2025
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#cal-reminder
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast When: Saturday, February 22, 2025 9:00am to 10:00am (UTC-06:00) America/Chicago Where: Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340 Organizer: WCARG w5hvl@groups.io View Event Description: Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast. Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
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FTM400
Please let me know if anyone knows of an FTM400 for sale. I found a few old posts on QRZ, and I've reached out to the sellers. Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free *Seek to be better today, than you were yesterday N5DRI, WSCT237 830-992-1334 Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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[SADRC] RF Coax Cable for Amateur Radio by Harold Fleischer - AE5AS
Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free *Seek to be better today, than you were yesterday N5DRI, WSCT237 830-992-1334 Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Kendricks, Dennis R - W5AVA via groups.io <drkendri@...> Date: Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 14:07 Subject: [Special] [SADRC] RF Coax Cable for Amateur Radio by Harold Fleischer - AE5AS To: <SADRC@groups.io> The attached pdf document is the presentation made by Harold Fleischer at SADRC's Saturday, February 15th Breakfast Meeting. -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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Free Junk non-Ham Radiosd
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A friend gave me two old handheld radios that I do not need. Radio Shack scanner Icom IC-M11VHF Marine If you want then to play with, let me know. LEE KV5M
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[Members] Yaesu System Fusion Presentation, Feb. 12
The CRHRC is hosting a YSF presentation. Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free 830-992-1334 https://www.qrz.com/db/n5dri Texas Patriots Room: Wires-X 60755 or YSF 60755 Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Brenda Jasper via Members <members@...> Date: Sun, Feb 9, 2025, 20:37 Subject: [Members] Yaesu System Fusion Presentation, Feb. 12 To: <members@...> This coming Wednesday, February 12 at 8:00 pm CRHRC will host a Zoom only presentation covering Yaesu System Fusion (YSF). You can join the presentation and discussion at www.zoom.crhrc.org. Thomas, KI5OMW, will discuss the basics of YSF and how to get started. This should be an awesome presentation and the slideshow is attached to this email. You can start joining Zoom at 7:45 and the discussion will begin at 8:00. The presentation will be recorded. Please invite any potential hams to learn about our hobby. Also note the Tech Net Team is looking for volunteers to assist with video editing. If you have experience and possible interest in helping out, please email info@.... Hope to see you on Wednesday! 73 Brenda KJ5ADO -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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Now: WCARG Meeting - Saturday, February 8, 2025
#cal-notice
WCARG Meeting When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 9:00am to 10:30am (UTC-06:00) America/Chicago Where: Walker County Storm Sherlter, 445 TX-75 Huntsville, TX GPS: 30.73614, -95.58279 Organizer: WCARG w5hvl@groups.io View Event Description: Monthly meeting of the Walker County Amateur Radio Group followed by amateur radio license testing
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CB Whip Anyone?
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I have a full length CB whip that I have hauled around for years thinking I would adapt it for ham radio. I never got a ROUND TUIT. Anyone want it? Price is right—FREE. Lee KV6M
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ISS tonight - 19:32 to 19:39
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Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - new or upgrade - lifetime key - $20.
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As you know, Windows 10 will no longer obtain updates (incl. security), after Oct. 15, 2025. For those looking to extend the life of your hardware, or need a license for a bare metal installation - I’ve upgraded and activated two of my computers (from Windows 10/home to Windows 11/Pro) by purchasing Windows 11/Pro edition keys for $20 from the ZDNET recommended site: https://www.stacksocial.com/sales/microsoft-windows-11-pro However, it is free to upgrade from Win10/home to Win11/home or /pro to /pro. BUT, Like me, you may have previously tried Microsoft’s Win10 to Win11 upgrade, only to be met with an ‘unsupported cpu’ message. However I used Microsoft’s published workaround with success, albeit it involves a simple registry entry: https://www.pcworld.com/article/542121/microsoft-reveals-how-to-bypass-windows-11s-strict-hardware-requirements.html so, there is hope and means to delay the inevitable new computer purchase. /Rick
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I participated in ARRL’s WINTER FIELD DAY Event, held 25&26/Jan. My after-action-report follows: 25/Jan: WCARG’s at Dave’s QTH, What I brought: -40m dipole kit: directv tripod, mast support, 24’ painters pole, top-mount pulley, balun, guy ropes and stakes. -Elk Antenna’s handheld dual-band yagi. -LifePo4 30ah battery (on-board BMS and display panel). -MFJ 12v distribution panel, Anderson power pole (APP) connectors. -FT-991a (with MFJ mini tuner): Anytone 878/DMR, Tidradio H8. -PI-star hotspot (tyson built), DMR configured, with on-board UPS and USB power. -T-mobile home internet gtwy (with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors) -Laptop (with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors) -10 watt polar panel. -USB LED lit radio signage, similar to: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VibeSign?search_query=Radio All devices capable of being powered by 12v battery by various DC-DC up, down or power delivery converters. Next test, my DC powered computer monitor (native external AC to DC power block). -6 ft ladder (to reach mast extension rings). -10x10 ft canopy (did not deploy) WHAT worked: -Dipole worked -7290 Traffic net check-in -FT-8, two contacts on 20m, Africa and Arkansas !! -Elk antenna on dipole mast, club and ares repeater access. -Handheld’s accessed the clubs repeater with HT’s antenna!! -Pulled pork sandwich! Thanks Dave; Thanks Laura for the delivery. -Battery capacity, by 1pm, capacity was 94% -ISS cross-band repeater; flyover just before 2pm. Elk antenna was amazing. I maintained reception throughout the whole pass (5 min+). I attempted QSO’s, however, as expected, there was a field day pile-up, so many people calling out, no one could reply and complete a QSO exchange. What Didn’t work so well: -Dipole ‘field kit’ too cumbersome and time consuming. Better options displayed by Ryan and Chris (?), Laura’s photos. I ordered a ‘reel potable’ from Robert’s shop in Cleveland, TX. -Having to carry a 6’ ladder to reach painter pole collapse compression rings. -Will consider displayed EFHW end mast options (spiderbeam, basspro fishing rod) -Consider re-purposing directv tripod with 10’ mast to support VHF/UHF antennas. -Elk antenna hand held for ISS fly-over, became heavy (or my weak arm). Will try mounting on a camera tripod. -Could not see my laptop screen (small and outdoors). Will try a monitor or popup canopy option. -Brought WAY too much stuff. More like a ‘go-truck’ with many bags/boxes, than a ‘go-box’. However, this is my first field day since I was about 17 years old!! During my oil spill incident response days, we had a semi-trailer command center and many crates. 26/Jan: HOME QTH, WHAT worked: -MARS net check-in; With his NCS role completed - congratulations Scott !! -Participated in my first ARRL field day contest - 20m / SSB. Responded to five or so CQ Field day calls. My observation: A contest using voice is the analog version of an FT-8/FT-4 digital exchange except FT-8 is every day, all day… short, sweet, impersonal, pre-defined exchange. Learnings: verify I’m operating within my license class; Field day ‘class and section’: 1H, STX. -TX RACES winlink / vara hf peer to peer (WEBEOC request form) exercise. Three of four ICS- 205 targeted stations contacted and message sent. 27/Jan: Yeah, my repaired FT-710 (failed USB comm port) arrived this morning by FedEx. Now, let’s see if I need to solder in the MARS mod (again). / Being RADIO-ACTIVE,,, is exhausting Looking forward to Laura’s photos !! Rick, WA2HRF - find me on QRZ: https://www.qrz.com/db/WA2HRF
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Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
5
#cal-reminder
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast When: Saturday, January 25, 2025 9:00am to 10:00am (UTC-06:00) America/Chicago Where: Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340 Organizer: WCARG w5hvl@groups.io View Event Description: Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast. Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
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National Weather Service Houston Winter Storm Update (1/20/25)
I'm forwarding the official NWS update issued just after 6 this morning. The GFS and ECMWF model runs this morning are producing less snow than the runs of previous days. The Canadian GEM and German ICON continue to forecast snow totals greater than the two primary models. All, however, have the greatest snow production south of IH10. Jim Robinson, W5ZYX From: NWS Houston - NOAA Service Account <nws.houston@...> Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 6:03 AM Subject: National Weather Service Houston Winter Storm Update (1/20/25) Good morning, Bottom Line -Winter storm likely tonight into Tuesday. -Light scattered precipitation possible after 6PM. More widespread precipitation expected after midnight, transitioning to mostly snow by morning. Areas near Matagorda Bay may see more sleet than snow. -Heavy bands of snow are likely Tuesday morning. Totals of 3-5 inches expected where these heavy bands occur. Lighter amounts expected where banding does not occur. -Exact locations of snow bands will remain uncertain, potentially until they begin. But the I-10 corridor to the coast has the best chance of experiencing heavy bands of snow. This does NOT mean that areas farther north have a zero chance of experiencing heavy snow. -Hard Freeze likely Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, likely resulting in icy road conditions through midday Wednesday. Resources NWS Houston Galveston Phone Numbers: (281) 337-5074 ext. 232 or ext. 234 NWS Houston/Galveston Webpage: www.weather.gov/houston National Hurricane Center Webpage: www.hurricanes.gov Hourly Forecasts (Click Your Location) West Gulf River Forecast Center Webpage: www.weather.gov/wgrfc NWPS Webpage If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our office at the phone numbers listed in the Resources section above. Cameron Self and Sean Luchs Forecasters National Weather Service - Houston/Galveston, TX
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This is from the San Antonio Radio Club. Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton -Freedom Isn't Free 830-992-1334 https://www.qrz.com/db/n2txs Texas Patriots Room: Wires-X 60755 or YSF 60755 Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Bill Craft via groups.io <billc851@...> Date: Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 19:02 Subject: [Special] [W5SC] Silent Key- Estate Sale- Mark your calendar Jan 30-31 To: <main@saradioclub.groups.io> Silent Key Thomas Ortiz Call sign K5VFE His son (Bryan Flanigan) is having sale. 3546 McCormick St, San Antonio, TX 78247 Thursday 30th 10-2pm Friday 31st 10-1pm -- Catch you on the air, Jason Hampton *Freedom Isn't Free N2TXS, WXCT237
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Extra Class Course
3
Had first class online via Zoom Thursday eve.The instructor is actually one of 2 people devising the question pools. I hope this helps me get my Extra, even though I have an Advanced class license. My biggest struggle here is remebering evrything.
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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am