It’s been a while since I posted any new news regarding the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast (PARP).  However, I did want to pass along two points of interest.  First, PARP 59 was released yesterday.  PARP 59 is titled “The Well Equipped Ham Shack”.  In this episode I share some thoughts on items to consider other than the usual transceiver, tuner etc. 

Second, I received an email yesterday from a fellow ham who just discovered PARP.  He introduced himself and explained he was hearing impaired and asked if written transcripts were available.  He was aware of the quality of content in my PARP episodes but is unable to listen to my audio podcasts. 

Some may know that I prepare a written script which I read from for each of my shows content.  I do this for several reasons.  One, I believe those who can sit down in front of a microphone and just begin talking without stumbling, stammering, inserting hmmmms and ahhhhhs truly have a gift.  I’m not one of these individuals and I’m OK with that.

Second, while I understand the content I discuss…..I try very hard to ensure what I put out for my listeners is accurate.  Yes…sometimes I make a mistake…but after all I’m only human.  For me, writing out a script just helps make sure I have all the information I need to communicate already available to me in the script.  Since I already have the written script I use to record my audio podcasts, it was really simple to fulfill the request for a transcript. 

Going forward, each regular monthly PARP episode as well as the weekly PARP Plus editions will include a link in the show notes to a downloadable transcript in Adobe PDF format.  Just visit MyAmateurRadio.com and view the show notes.  You’ll see a link labeled “Transcript”.  I’ve also linked all regular monthly PARP episodes recorded in 2012 and 2011 with their transcript.  I’m working on 2010 and 2009 as I have time.  Unfortunately, I can only go back to episode 16 as the first 15 scripts have disappeared.

I hope you’ll help me share this news with any of our fellow hearing impaired hams you may know. 

Thank you for your time.

Until next time…

73 de KDØBIK

A new weekly audio edition of the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast, called PARP Plus is now available.  PARP Plus will feature a rundown of all the amateur radio happenings taking place on the bands for the upcoming week and weekend.  If you enjoy working special event stations, contests, dxpeditions…but just don’t have time to track down what is taking place and where, then I believe PARP Plus will help you.

If you have 15 minutes each week to listen to the podcast, I’ll run through all you need to know for all the on-air activities taking place in the week ahead.
Each weekly PARP – Plus Edition will release on Monday evening around 0000z and will cover the week/weekend ahead. Just listen and make note of the various special events, contests, dxpeditions, hamfests etc. that I discuss…then just work them.

You’ll still get your BIG PARP episode each month. PARP 56 will be available in June, just before Field Day.

I hope this new weekly format helps you. I also plan to mix in other content from time to time. So please download and listen. If you are already receiving PARP, you’ll get PARP – Plus the same way.

PARP Plus, episode 001 covering the week of May 22 through May 28 is available now at MyAmateurRadio.com. 

73 de KDØBIK

When I started the practical amateur radio podcast on May 8th 2008, I really had no idea how long it would last or how big it would grow.  Four years later (and my 5th season podcasting) I still continue to receive emails thanking me for doing what I do.  I’m also frequently reminded of why I podcast, when I receive emails letting me know a new ham has his or her license as a result of the podcast.  I very much enjoy creating the audio podcast, the video supplements and blogging.  I consider it an extension of the hobby. 

This blog post is what I referred to in episode 55 (just released today), as part of the PARP Birthday Trifecta.  In other words, I typically use my Podcast, my YouTube Channel and this Blog to Elmer and promote amateur radio to anyone who will listen, watch and read.  These avenues are referred to as new media. 

Pacificon 2012

Speaking of new media, I’ve been invited to attend the 2012 ARRL National Convention and Pacificon in October of this year.  I will participate in a panel discussion titled, “Amateur Radio New Media Elmering”.  I’m very excited to share the stage with other “Big Names” in the new media elmering space.  I’m sure you’ve heard of all three…

Chris Matthieu, N7ICE is the founder/creator/developer of the amateur radio social networking site 73s.com.

Randy Hall, K7AGE.  Randy is best known as that YouTube guy.  Randy is approaching his 6th year of using his YouTube channel to Elmer.  His total video views surpass the 2 million mark. 

FInally, the three of us will be joined by Mr. Elmer himself…Gordon West, WB6NOA.  Gordo has helped thousands earn their technician license (and upgrade to general and extra) through his exam prep guides and excellent audio material.  I’m proud to say I’m a three time graduate of Gordo’s material. 

I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to meet these three gentlemen and share the stage to discuss our share passions for helping others and promoting this wonderful hobby.  I’ll make certain to continue to provide updates as we get closer to the October timeframe.  I hope to see you at Pacificon.

A Gift to You

In an effort to help celebrate PARP’s 4th birthday, I asked three popular amateur radio vendors to help me celebrate.  In return, each have provided coupon codes you may use for a limited time to save money when purchasing items from their website.  Consider it a gift to you.

It just so happened I was able to tie each of these three vendors into the educational/discussion segment in episode 55 of the practical amateur radio podcast.  The topic of episode 55 is about programming your radio. 

I would like to thank Nifty Ham Accessories, RT Systems Inc. and RFinder – The Worldwide Repeater Directory for helping me celebrate the 4th birthday of  the practical amateur radio podcast.  Please listen to episode 55 to learn about the coupon codes from Nifty Ham Accessories, RT Systems Inc. and RFinder – The Worldwide Repeater Directory.  

Until next time…

73 de KDØBIK

 The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast episode 53 is now available for download or stream.  I’ve also updated the audio player used on MyAmateurRadio.com to work across multiple platforms including portable devices such as iPhone and iPad. 

In this episode I discuss RST Signal Reports.  I provide details into what each of the numerical values mean and my own thoughts about their use.  In the featured website segment I introduce the new amateur radio podcast from Gary Pearce, KN4AQ titled Ham Radio Now. 

Please visit MyAmateurRadio.com to listen or download this new episode. 

Thank you for listening and thank you for sharing your knowledge with others.  The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast, creating Elmers one podcast at a time.

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK

In addition to my amateur radio blogging, I also host an amateur radio podcast titled the practical amateur radio podcast (PARP).   I began podcasting about amateur radio in 2008.  PARP is currently in its 5th season and I’m looking forward to many more. 

When I was in the final stages of preparing for both my technician and general class exams, I used a set of flash cards from Flash and Pass.  I would ask my wife to read the questions to me and I would try to answer.  This was especially handy when I wasn’t near a computer and couldn’t take the online sample tests.  This process actually worked well for me and helped me polish my knowledge.

In the summer of 2010 when the new US Technician question pool became active, I decided I would create an audio only version of the flash card process.   I used the ARRL version of the study guide and the question pool which accompanies that book to record the question, the four possible answers, followed by the question again and then finally announce the correct answer. 

I believe the basis for success in using this method depends on first reading the study guide.  Second, the use of online sample test sites (many different ones are available), I recommend a site some friends of mine maintain called Ham Tests.  However, I really believe it is important for the student to READ THE BOOK!!!  Then (and only then) download my twenty audio sessions.

Each audio session is anywhere from 12 to 30 minutes in length (perfect for commute to work or school) and contain every question in the current question pool unless that question relates to a visual diagram.  The tech and general pools do have some questions that ask you to reference a diagram.  I mention these during the appropriate audio session only as a reminder to study the question directly from the book.

As of today, I have the Become A Ham US Technician (2010 – 2014) and US General (2011 – 2015) sessions available.  These sessions are available free of charge.  I will record the US Extra (2012 – 2016) audio sessions sometime late Spring or early summer to coincide with the new extra class question pool which starts 1 July 2012. 

You can download/stream these audio sessions direct from MyAmateurRadio.com by clicking on the Become A Ham tab.  Alternatively, you can also download these sessions via RSS.  The RSS links to the Become A Ham US Tech and US General can be found on MyAmateurRadio.com on the Become A Ham tab. 

I’ve received many positive comments on both the technician and general audio programs and I’m truly pleased to know many have experienced benefit from the audio programs.  If you are preparing for either the US Technician or the US General amateur radio exam, please visit MyAmateurRadio.com.  Good Luck!!!

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK

The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast episode 52 is now available for download or stream.  You can subscribe via iTunes, Zune or stream directly from MyAmateurRadio.com  Want to stream on the go from your favorite smart phone device?  You can do that as well via our mobile site.

In this new episode, I discuss the QSL Bureau Service as it relates to US Amateur’s.  The bureau service is a great, inexpensive method of QSL’ing those DX contacts.  Our featured website segment discusses the Ham Nation podcast/netcast as well as Mike Baxter, WA0XTT. 

Please visit MyAmateurRadio.com to listen or download this new episode. 

Thank you for listening and thank you for sharing your knowledge with others.  The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast, creating Elmers one podcast at a time.

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK

I’m a few days late in getting this posted.  I wanted to provide a quick update on the progress of my 2012 challenge.  As I blogged about recently, I set my 2012 challenge to be a QSO a day throughout the year.  I’m happy to report I successfully closed out the month of January with a QSO logged each day for a total of 205 logged QSO’s total for the month. 

The breakdown is as follows: 

I’m hoping as the year progresses to operate more SSB and also PSK.  But with over 540 JT65 Q’s logged since I learned of this mode, I’m still having a lot of fun with JT65.

I’ve also recently given my main KDØBIK.com website a new look by using a  WordPress theme install.  While I’m keeping this blog site, as well as my SOTA blog and the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast websites all separate, the clean look of the WordPress theme just better ties everything together. Also, it allows me to essentially update the site from just about anywhere and even when on my iPad. 

Finally, another plug for my podcast.  I did release episode 51 back in late January.  As I’ve done the past several years, the January episode is devoted to amateur radio related New Year’s resolutions.  I provided several ideas in an attempt to help motivate and inspire.  While we are almost to the half-way point in February, in my opinion it is never too late to set a goal.  Especially if that goal allows you to have fun in the hobby of amateur radio.  

Until next time,

73 de KDØBIK