Radio Preppers

General Category => Net Activity => Topic started by: NWARadio on March 21, 2014, 10:11:05 PM

Title: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 21, 2014, 10:11:05 PM
How'd some folks like to try and meet up tomorrow night on HF? I've also got access to an EchoLink repeater and I can put EchoLink on my phone, too. I'll be cutting wood tomorrow, so I won't be able to get on until evening/night. Probably around 6pm CST til 9 or 10. Just give me a time and a frequency! Keep it Tech or General; I don't have my Extra class yet.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 21, 2014, 11:03:44 PM
If I'm home I'll get on the air  :)

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 03:37:57 AM
I should be available.  I'll meet you here and we'll pick a frequency then.

I guess we'll need everyone to post their call signs.  I'm <expletive deleted  :)>.  Real name PJ.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: madball13 on March 22, 2014, 08:12:20 AM
no need to post call signs. just pick a freq on SSB and I'll try to make it
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 12:39:04 PM
I'll try and tune in. My 80 meter dipole won't let me transmit on any freq. higher than about 21 MHz.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 06:38:23 PM
What's everyone's license class? That'll help us decide where we can meet. I'm a General but my antenna won't tune 160m. 80 and up I'll be ok on.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 06:46:44 PM
The TAPRN frequencies are 7.242 and 14.242.  I'd suggest 20 meters.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:01:31 PM
14.242 then? How about the time?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:15:01 PM
I just discovered that my 80 meter dipole will tune up on 10 meters :D. If this is to be done as SSB phone then 28.3-28.5 is about the only place techs can participate. I don't know if there is anybody with a tech license here wanting to join in or not. About an hour ago the conditions on 10m were pretty good but they are probably deteriorating rapidly.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:20:39 PM
Looks like somebody moved into 14.242 so we can maybe move up some.  VW, I'm up and running.  Is anyone else available?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:31:47 PM
Just saw you were up John. What freq?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:35:35 PM
28.365   What's your call?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:36:50 PM
n7bhp
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:43:17 PM
Quote from: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:36:50 PM
n7bhp

Tried a few times but not hearing anything.

NWAradio, you around?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:45:16 PM
yup. no contact on 28.365 but heard someone asking if freq in use but didn't hear call sign.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 07:45:36 PM
I'm on 28.365 but all I hear is static.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 07:46:13 PM
I'll call cq. I'm KF5TJC.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:49:25 PM
Quote from: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:45:16 PM
yup. no contact on 28.365 but heard someone asking if freq in use but didn't hear call sign.

That was probably me.  I tried again but I don't think the band is going to cooperate.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:50:18 PM
Quote from: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 07:46:13 PM
I'll call cq. I'm KF5TJC.

What frequency?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 07:50:55 PM
28.365. Isn't that where everyone is?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 07:52:17 PM
looks like the band wont work for our distances. Back to 20m or 40m?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 07:53:31 PM
Ok just give me a frequency.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 07:55:10 PM
14.255 sounds clear.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:00:00 PM
the latin station keep on stepping on you and I can't make you out. Are you moving up?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:00:44 PM
do you have 17 meters?


try 18.170
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:01:25 PM
Yes. My phone wouldn't post for me. I can do 17 just let me know the frequency
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:02:10 PM
18.170
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:07:05 PM
Well crap.  My antenna won't tune 18.170.  I can at 18.142
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:13:02 PM
VWflyer, Archangel and nwaradio are on 18.142
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: Archangel320420 on March 22, 2014, 08:15:34 PM
I gotta get out, guys. It was fun. KF5TJC was 5X7 on 18142 and N7BHP was 5X5. I got a flu or worse and I am just not up to this tonight  :)  Thanks for QSOs
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:23:47 PM
I can go on 40m tonight...

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:24:25 PM
7.245 is clear.  40 meters has some static tho.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:25:51 PM
Archangel, thanks for checking in. I'll move to 40m and see if I can copy anyone.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:29:52 PM
I won't be joining in on 40m. I hear nothing except static and something that sounds like pots and pans banging. I'm assuming Jamaican music or something. I'll be standing by, listening and filling out QSL cards.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:32:18 PM
I heard n7bhp briefly.  You want to try 80?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:34:10 PM
ok. there is someone I think outside the group calling cq 40 on 7.245 now.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:34:55 PM
One last try - 3.880  ??
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:37:31 PM
ok, now calling on 3.880
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:40:42 PM
Couldn't copy anybody on 40 or 80. I've been cutting a little wood today, so it's shower time for me. Thanks for the QSOs tonight guys!
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 08:41:15 PM
Nope. Nothing.   :(

I'm open to suggestions. 
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:43:02 PM
no copy on 3.880. The stars must not have been aligned today. I wonder if CW would have done better.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 22, 2014, 08:43:44 PM
I haven't studied CW yet, so I wouldn't be much use. lol
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:44:44 PM
I tried 7245, but there is someone on 7244. 7240 is free, I'll listen there.

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:47:09 PM
Quote from: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:44:44 PM
I tried 7245, but there is someone on 7244. 7240 is free, I'll listen there.

Gil.
i'll go there but couldn't copy anyone on 40 earlier.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:48:00 PM
You call...
I called you a few times VWFlyer, nothing heard.

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:53:13 PM
nothing on 7.240
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:53:55 PM
Waoh, I was listening and even called you. Usually I get Texas really well..

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:55:47 PM
Like I said, the stars aren't aligned tonight.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:57:23 PM
We'll try another time... I'll stay on 7240 for a while in case someone else reads this...

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:58:42 PM
Quote from: gil on March 22, 2014, 08:53:55 PM
Waoh, I was listening and even called you. Usually I get Texas really well..

Gil.
Well if everyone has given up we could switch to cw and see if it makes a difference but if we hear absolutely nada in SSB then CW probably wont save it.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 09:03:24 PM
Quote from: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:55:47 PM
Like I said, the stars aren't aligned tonight.

I think this sums it up.  Normally Florida on 40, Arkansas and Texas on NVIS are everywhere.  It just didn't want to work tonight.  But I thank everyone for the QSOs even as limited as they were.  I am not going to give up!!  Hopefully, we can get to the point where we have regular ragchews or nets.

Special thanks to NWAradio for getting this going and to Gil for providing the forum for it.

Time for a cold brew...   8)

Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: John Galt on March 22, 2014, 09:06:45 PM
Gil, what's your call?
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 09:11:03 PM
I just talked to W1AW portable five in NM on 40m and he gave me a RST of 59 but you know how that goes.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 09:17:41 PM
QuoteGil, what's your call?

Call "Gil," I'll reply with my call sign if I hear you..

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 09:26:20 PM
I heard and talked to John K4SQC in GA, part of some "QSO Party" thing going on... Still on 7240.

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 09:31:18 PM
I can hear K4SQC  pretty well but not everyone he's talking to. I missed you gil. Not sure if it was due to the crying baby in my hamshack though.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 22, 2014, 09:44:47 PM
Next time  :)

I'm going to park on 7030 now, CW.

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: KK0G on March 23, 2014, 11:02:28 AM
Quote from: vwflyer on March 22, 2014, 08:43:02 PM
..............I wonder if CW would have done better.
DING DING DING DING............. I think we have a winner!! 8)

You just knew I was gonna chime in sooner or later about the power of CW. ;D
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: vwflyer on March 23, 2014, 12:31:03 PM
The skip just seemed to be unusually short last night. On 17m I could only reach out about 600 miles. East Texas came in but Georgia and Florida wouldn't. On 20m and 40m I couldn't even reach east Texas. I made some contacts with stations about 200 miles away on 40m last night but that's as far as I could get. Kind of unusual for that time of day.
It's too bad really. I was looking forward to chatting with some of you. We'll have to try it again soon.
Even though we didn't have much success I still enjoyed it and I think it was good practice for me. I don't do SSB skeds. I usually just talk to whoever is coming in clearly so I'm letting the conditions dictate who I talk with. The more I try to contact specific people at specific distances the more I'll understand the capabilities and limitations of my gear.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: gil on March 23, 2014, 12:36:27 PM
It worked too! Got Ireland and Sweden using 5W. LSB simply did not work, even though my battery was decently charged and I was putting out 10W.

Voice requires quite a bit of power to cut through, 20-times more than CW. That's why SSB radios usually output 100W. Of course 5W SSB works too, but so does 100mW CW! Sometimes...

We'll try again some time soon.

Gil.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: NWARadio on March 23, 2014, 01:07:08 PM
I really enjoyed the exercise last night, too. VWFlyer is right: it's good practice trying to intentionally make contact with a specific station instead of talking to whoever comes in clearly. I enjoyed the practice of relaying information to/from stations who couldn't be heard by everyone and learning what it's like to stand by while information is being taken to be relayed. I also learned not to sit down at the radio without a computer. It was too much of a hassle running back and forth to my laptop to check the forum when I couldn't hear John Galt. And that makes me wonder what I would do in a real world situation where I had no access to the internet or text messages. If it were important, JG and I would have needed a plan in place in case our chosen frequency was in use or the conditions weren't right for that band. We'd also need a plan of some sort in case the conditions across all bands are crappy. I don't think we'll ever need anything like that, but it's interesting and fun to think about. I really appreciate everyone who tried and who made contact, especially ArchAngel, who had some sort of flu bug. I've filled out QSL cards and I'll get them in the mail Monday. John Galt, we got interrupted on 10m, but since we each heard one another, I logged you as a contact.
Title: Re: Saturday night meet up? (3/22/2014)
Post by: KK0G on March 23, 2014, 07:21:14 PM
Quote from: NWARadio on March 23, 2014, 01:07:08 PM
I really enjoyed the exercise last night, too. VWFlyer is right: it's good practice trying to intentionally make contact with a specific station instead of talking to whoever comes in clearly. I enjoyed the practice of relaying information to/from stations who couldn't be heard by everyone and learning what it's like to stand by while information is being taken to be relayed. I also learned not to sit down at the radio without a computer. It was too much of a hassle running back and forth to my laptop to check the forum when I couldn't hear John Galt. And that makes me wonder what I would do in a real world situation where I had no access to the internet or text messages. If it were important, JG and I would have needed a plan in place in case our chosen frequency was in use or the conditions weren't right for that band. We'd also need a plan of some sort in case the conditions across all bands are crappy. I don't think we'll ever need anything like that, but it's interesting and fun to think about. I really appreciate everyone who tried and who made contact, especially ArchAngel, who had some sort of flu bug. I've filled out QSL cards and I'll get them in the mail Monday. John Galt, we got interrupted on 10m, but since we each heard one another, I logged you as a contact.
You've just clearly illustrated why it's so important to establish lines of communication before they're needed. At the moment it's easy to establish lines of communication by using this website via the world wide web, powered by utility lines carrying millions of megawatts of power all while sitting in a comfy shack with a full belly during our relatively comfortable "normal" lives. Remove all those comforts provided by our massive infrastructures, then add in the stress of just trying to survive, and trying to establish a contact that doesn't preexist becomes orders of magnitude more difficult.

As the old saying goes: "If you're not doing it now, you won't be doing it then".

Good job guys, keep at it.