Some very welcome news popped into my inbox this morning from my friend Bob Greenberg, W2CYK.  Bob is the owner and founder of RFinder the Worldwide Repeater Directory.  

I had the opportunity to meet Bob via social media many years ago when RFinder first launched and have been a fan and supporter of RFinder ever since.  I even discussed RFinder in episode 55 of the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast back in May of 2012.  

For several years I used the ARRL repeater directory along with their TravelPlus digital version to search for and program my transceivers.  While this solution worked very well, it was limited to just the ARRL database.   For the traveling ham, this meant being at the mercy of the internet to find information on repeaters in the region and countries visited and this information was not always accurate.

In the time I’ve known Bob and been a user of RFinder, it’s grown to become a truly worldwide solution with partnerships with many national radio societies including the Radio Society of Great Britain, Amateur Radio Society Italia, Deutscher Amateur Radio Club, Radio Amateurs of Canada and the American Radio Relay League (just to name a few).  Finally, the current database contains current and validated repeater information from over 175 countries. 

RFinder the Worldwide Repeater Directory is available in app form for both the iOS and Android platforms and is also supported by both RTSystems and CHIRP radio programming software.  Normally the cost for an annual subscription is $9.95 USD, but for a VERY limited time an RFinder Lifetime Membership is available for $99.99 USD.   When I say VERY limited time, I truly mean this offer will not last long.  It’s a very good deal.

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK (Jerry)

Some very welcome news popped into my inbox this morning from my friend Bob Greenberg, W2CYK.  Bob is the owner and founder of RFinder the Worldwide Repeater Directory.  

I had the opportunity to meet Bob via social media many years ago when RFinder first launched and have been a fan and supporter of RFinder ever since.  I even discussed RFinder in episode 55 of the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast back in May of 2012.  

For several years I used the ARRL repeater directory along with their TravelPlus digital version to search for and program my transceivers.  While this solution worked very well, it was limited to just the ARRL database.   For the traveling ham, this meant being at the mercy of the internet to find information on repeaters in the region and countries visited and this information was not always accurate.

In the time I’ve known Bob and been a user of RFinder, it’s grown to become a truly worldwide solution with partnerships with many national radio societies including the Radio Society of Great Britain, Amateur Radio Society Italia, Deutscher Amateur Radio Club, Radio Amateurs of Canada and the American Radio Relay League (just to name a few).  Finally, the current database contains current and validated repeater information from over 175 countries. 

RFinder the Worldwide Repeater Directory is available in app form for both the iOS and Android platforms and is also supported by both RTSystems and CHIRP radio programming software.  Normally the cost for an annual subscription is $9.95 USD, but for a VERY limited time an RFinder Lifetime Membership is available for $99.99 USD.   When I say VERY limited time, I truly mean this offer will not last long.  It’s a very good deal.

Until next time…

73 de KD0BIK (Jerry)

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

RFinder, the BEST repeater locator app on Android is now available in the iOS App Store. Bob has been working hard on getting approval for awhile now, and people like me who switched from Android to iOS have been waiting for this. If you’ve used any of the other available repeater apps and been disappointed, you really must try this one. Worth every penny at $9.99. If you’ve used Bob’s Android version you will be pleasantly surprised by the huge speed increase with the iOS release due to an upgrade to the database the app uses. Note to Android users: this will also speed up the original Android version on RFinder.

RFinder shows you all repeaters in your location in a selectable radius, or allows you to override the location for a custom search. Sorts by location, frequency, callsign, or displays on a map. Locates all repeaters in the database by band ( you choose which band or bands) 10M thru 1200. Corrections and additions can be submitted for paid users. Give it a try!

RFinder in the App Store. For iPhone and Ipad.

–Neil. W2NDG