AmateurRadio.com

10m WSPR spots @ G4ILO 11 November 2012

Ten metres seems to have perked up a bit today, though conditions don’t seem as good as they were a week or so ago.

During the afternoon on PSK31 I heard, but didn’t work, Mexico and Panama. No WSPR monitors there so they don’t show up on the map.

Calling CQ resulted in contacts with some East coast USA stations. Propagation to Europe can’t have been that good. I think this is the first time that I didn’t get called by European and Russian stations.

I heard several USA stations working in a 10-10 contest. I don’t have a 10-10 number so I didn’t try to contact them. As a fan of 10m I like the idea of 10-10 but to be a member you have got to be sponsored by several existing members and then pay a membership fee. That’s way too much hassle and expense just to get a number to send people. The European PSK Club has the right idea. Membership is free to anyone and communication with members is via a web site.

Hello and welcome to a very late release of LHS Episode #093. Recorded about a month ago, I finally found the time to get this one edited and put out so the world can experience it. I’d like to thank our loyal listeners for their patience, and I sincerely hope that this episode stands up to the fine quality (*snicker*) that you’re used to from LHS. We get a visit from one of the show’s ambassadors in this episode who tells us all about his experience ambassadoring for a Linux event in Ohio. You know the one. Surrounding that are some interesting Linux topics, a ham radio discussion or two and a very informative bit of feedback from the Old Texas Engineer. You don’t want to miss it.

73 de The LHS Guys

A most sincere and humble “Thank You so much!” to all those who have and continue to serve our Nation in the Armed Forces.  We will never be able to adequately repay your service.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP – When you care to send the very least!

My article on the Android HT generated some interesting comments and ideas. Thanks so much! One of the main themes in the feedback is to have the radio be “faceless”, with the user interface done on a mobile device (i.e., smartphone or tablet). The mobile device would communicate to the transceiver via Bluetooth (or maybe WiFi). This approach has the advantage of separating the radio hardware (which probably doesn’t need to change very often) from the compute/display hardware (which is on a faster-paced technology path). I went ahead and hacked together a concept photo of such a device (click the photo to enlarge it). This device could interface with any mobile device that has a Bluetooth interface, so it would be independent of OS on the mobile device (yes, you could use your iPhone).

Such an approach opens up a variety of use models. Imagine sticking the transceiver in your backpack and using an app on your smartphone to enjoy QSOs when hiking. Alternatively, the radio could hang on your belt. At home, the radio could be left in some convenient location, connected to an external antenna on the roof and operated from the mobile device. (Low power Bluetooth is said to have a range of about 10 Meters.)  These are just a few thoughts…I am sure you can think of others.

I would expect the original Android HT concept to be easier to use for casual operation, due to the All-In-One Design with dedicated hardware volume control, channel select and PTT switch. I am assuming those functions would be implemented in software in the faceless implementation, which would likely be less convenient. Most mobile devices have their own GPS system included, so that would mean one less thing that has to be in the radio.

The other idea that surfaced in the feedback is using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology to implement the transceiver. This would provide a higher degree of flexibility in generating and decoding signals, enabling additional areas of innovation. That is a great idea and will require a whole ‘nuther line of thinking.

73, Bob K0NR

to Christmas time!

From Paul NA5N:

“Zombies, World Wide DX Contests, Sweepstakes, etc. made it impossible to schedule a nice, enjoyable Zombie Shuffle around Halloween, particularly on the traditional Friday evening. We were ready to schedule it for this Friday, Nov. 7. Then came Hurricane Sandy that has left some of our QRP friends without antennas, and some still without electricity. I have been unable to email two of our arranged Elvis stations, presumably due to no electricity or internet yet. I don’t know how many are still recovering from Sandy.
So here’s the deal …

The Zombie Shuffle for 2012 has been scheduled for: FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 21, 2012

That’s right, the very last day of the Mayan calendar, which conveniently falls on a Friday. As most of you know, this could very well be the end of the world. At least that’s what they say. Zap – lights out for the human race. What a better way for a QRP Zombie to go than with his/her earphones and boots on? When the great galactic cataclysm or Planet X hits, I want to be on the air. Vaporized with all my QRP Zombie friends. I know you feel the same.

No major contests that night; hopefully a few hours on the air the Friday before Christmas won’t interfere with your family or holiday plans. It might even keep you out of WalMart or Target for the night. That probably just saved you $150!

I’ll update the rules, summary sheet and website this weekend and get them posted. If you have any unique ideas for the Zombie Shuffle on how to spend your last few minutes on planet Earth, let me know.

In the meantime, if you don’t have a Zombie number, you can request one by an email to Jan, the Witchess and Grand Zombie at [email protected]. Don’t wait – this could be your last chance. Nobody wants to go out without a number!

72, Paul NA5N Zombie #004

PS – In the slim chance we survive December 21, we’ll have a regular old Zombie Shuffle again next year, likely the Friday after ARRL Sweepstakes.”

So there you go – I know Christmas and Zombies aren’t what you’d call a “good fit” – but Paul humorously tied the event into the end of the Mayan calendar – or have some have called it – “The Coming Zombie Apocolypse”!  In any event, it’s always a fun sprint.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP – When you care to send the very least!
Zombie # 858