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I’m a huge fan of the platform.  Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the projects I think are just too simple and can be done on a PIC for a lot less cash.  That being said, there are some REALLY neat Arduino projects out there and I’ll be Highlighting more ham related projects here in the future.

Just in case you’re really not sure, here’s a snip from the Wikipedia entry on Arduino:

Arduino is a popular open-source single-board microcontroller, descendant of the open-source Wiring platform, designed to make the process of using electronics in multidisciplinary projects more accessible. The hardware consists of a simple open hardware design for the Arduino board with an Atmel AVR processor and on-board input/output support. The software consists of a standard programming language compiler and the boot loader that runs on the board.

Arduino hardware is programmed using a Wiring-based language (syntax and libraries), similar to C++ with some slight simplifications and modifications, and a Processing-based integrated development environment.

The whole entry can be read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino

The Geek Group is a hacker/makerspace in Michigan that does a lot of really neat things (and they have one hell of a machine shop as well!).  In this video, they give a good basic introduction to what Arduino is, what sets it apart from a PIC and how you can get started programming and tinkering with Arduino.

If you know of any great ham radio related Arduino projects, post them in the comments and share!  I may add them in a future post.

Here’s “The Geek Group” video:

according to today’s “Red & Rover” comic strip – the Sun affects more than just Hams!

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

Photo made when I arrived to send to my XYL.

I was just finishing diner today when my colleague phoned that the shop I work was on fire. I didn’t believe him at first but he was very seriously and told me could see the smoke from were he did drive. That was a distance of about 15 km. I jumped into the car and was astonished when I arrived. You see for yourself:

http://112groningen.nl/Groningen/nieuws/18259/zeer-grote-brand-in-uithuizen-video.html

Luckely no personal injuries, just material…

The first quarter of 2012 is in the books and so is a QSO for each and every day.   While the actual Q count is dropping from the total number of QSO’s I had in February and from January, I did manage to make a much bigger impact to my DXCC list.   The Q count is lower since I’ve been devoting most every weekend to working on the new basement ham shack.   This is important to me and will be especially rewarding when I move into the new space.   However, I’m not motivated by the total number of QSO’s I make, it is more about quality versus quantity. 

Another interesting point is the total number of DX stations I worked in March is also higher.  Of course, I did spend a few hours spinning the dial and working who could hear me during the March DX contest.  But perhaps this also means band conditions are gradually improving.  Just last night I worked E51M on 12m.  I saw a tweet from my good friend Martin, and spun the dial over to 12 to see if I could hear them.  E51M is working a DXpedition from Manihiki Atoll, North Cook Island.  It’s always a good feeling for me when I can log a DX contact, especially so when it is a new DX entity.  Of course, this goes in the books for April. 

I view putting Q1 behind me as a successful milestone.  However, before I schedule the parade, I know I’m just 25% into this challenge.  I need to begin thinking about how I’m going to handle vacation and other travel scenarios which will eventually come into play.  While my rules are somewhat relaxed, I did initially state that all QSO’s would be on HF.  I’m not sure if I’ve backed myself into a corner with this or not.   Time will tell…

The breakdown is as follows: 

Mode
Number QSO’s

JT65
48

SSB 
19

Additional notes of interest:

DX Stations Worked – 19

New DX Entities – 4

Total QSO’s for 2012 – 383

Total consecutive QSO days – 91

Days left in 2012 – 272

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK

When I was browsing through eBay last night, I was interested to note that a new Baofeng rig, the UV-5R was available. It runs higher power than the UV-3R, has a keypad and looks an interesting evolution. Since the rig was only £38, it didn’t take much thought to order one. I shall look forward to it arriving.

In the meantime, Hans, PD0AC has already received one and is writing up his findings which look interesting.

That would be Greg K2UM’s KX3 and he was nice enough to post a video about it:

Saliva glands are working overtime!

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

PS: Wow! No spam comments today. 1st time in about a month that has happened.