by Michael Martens | Oct 6, 2017 | Amateur Radio
When we use our handheld radios or the mobile in the car, we really don’t think about or rarely appreciate the hard work and effort is takes to keep a repeater system on the air. Many amateur radio repeater systems are highly engineered but also run on a shoestring....
by Michael Martens | Sep 7, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Many amateur radio clubs, ARES/RACES, and emergency communications groups help out with local events by providing health and welfare communications. In fact, volunteering to provide communication assistance is a great way to hone your emergency communication skills....
by Michael Martens | Aug 22, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Did you see the eclipse today? Did you work the Solar Eclipse QSO Party. The Great American Solar Eclipse was Monday August 21, 2017, and was viewable for much of the continental United States as the moon cast a path of darkness from Oregon to South Carolina. I set up...
by Michael Martens | Aug 6, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Like many hams, my first radio was a used purchase. Way back in 1999 I bought a dual band Alinco DJ-G5T handheld radio off of eBay. I didn’t know what I was doing (radio wise) so fortunately the transaction was a good one and that radio served me well for a few...
by Michael Martens | Jul 13, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Last weekend I was at the South Milwaukee Swapfest in Oak Creek. This is a classic tail-gate style hamfest, and was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. While I was there to sell antennas and chat with fellow hams, I also enjoy browsing the tables and picking up...
by Michael Martens | Jun 27, 2017 | Amateur Radio
It’s good to get back. ARRL Field Day is an event that I seldom miss. Of the near 20 years that I’ve been licensed, I think I’ve only missed two Field Day events. Both times I was biking on a week long tour of the State of Wisconsin. So after taking...
by Michael Martens | Jun 16, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Field Day is fast approaching and soon parks and empty fields like the one behind me will be bustling with activity. On the fourth full weekend of June more than 40,000 hams throughout North America hit the airwaves in what is billed the world’s largest amateur radio...
by Michael Martens | May 31, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
You’ve seen these printed on QSO cards, but what do they mean. I’m talking about grid squares, a unique method of geolocation that is popular with HF digital and VHF & UHF operators. When I say unique, I mean the grid square system has the ability to convey your...
by Michael Martens | May 23, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Long time viewers of my Youtube channel know that I periodically do reviews of products that I find may be of benefit to the amateur radio community. Back a few months ago I reviewed the Iso-Tip Pro 50 butane soldering iron. This inexpensive portable iron has been an...
by Michael Martens | Apr 2, 2017 | Ham Radio Q and A
Today we’re on a fox hunt for a hidden transmitter. It’s just like the ‘Amazing Race’ but instead of getting clues, we are using radio direction finding techniques to search for the transmitter hidden somewhere in the city. On April 1st, 2017...
Recent Comments