by Michael Martens | Nov 29, 2012 | Antennas, emcomm
IRLP, or the Internet Radio Linking Project is a VOIP service that allows repeaters and simplex nodes to link via the Internet. Unlike Echolink, which uses a software and web based interface to utilize the connected repeaters, the IRLP interface is purely radio to...
by Michael Martens | Nov 25, 2012 | Amateur Radio, emcomm, GMRS, MURS
Communicating off the grid, or without the use of conventional methods such as landline, cell phones, Internet, or WiFi can be a challenging prospect. You might ask why forgoing convention when the infrastructure and technology is ubiquitous. If you think about it,...
by Michael Martens | Nov 17, 2012 | 2 meter, Antennas, News
Thank you N7JVT for the unsolicited testimonial for the KB9VBR 2 meter J-Pole Antenna. 08 Nov 2012 Dear Mike KB9VBR: A few months back, I procured one of your J Pole antennas. When I opened the box I was a little skeptical of what I had bought. It took some time to...
by Michael Martens | Nov 11, 2012 | Amateur Radio, emcomm, GMRS, MURS
There’s a lot a talk going around about being prepared for disasters, either manmade or natural. The recent superstorm on the East Coast has reinforced this fact the natural disasters can cause large scale disruptions in communications infrastructure....
by Michael Martens | Nov 4, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, ARES/RACES, emcomm
Congratulations on being a member of your local ARES/RACES emergency communications group. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a great component of amateur radio and allows ham radio operators the opportunity to provide a valuable public service to their community....
by Michael Martens | Nov 3, 2012 | Amateur Radio, News
We’ll be putting the center of the Western Hemisphere on the air today! Join us on the air for the 45N90W Special Event Station. Nov 3, 1500Z-2100Z, W9SM, Wausau, WI. Wisconsin Valley Radio Association. 14.235 7.185. Certificate & QSL. Wisconsin Valley Radio...
by Michael Martens | Oct 21, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, slidedeck, VHF
On my site you can find both the all copper 2 meter J-Pole antenna and an all copper 2 meter Slim Jim antenna. Both are great antennas, I don’t have a problem recommending either of them as the foundation for a amateur radio base station. But I often receive...
by Michael Martens | Oct 14, 2012 | 2 meter, Scanner, UHF, VHF
Antenna range is a common question that I receive from ham radio operators and scanner buffs looking to purchase my antennas. I wish there was an easy answer to this question, but unfortunately there are plenty of variables to consider when analyzing what kind of...
by Michael Martens | Oct 9, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas
The amateur radio community lost a valuable member last week. Dennis, W9PBB, a good personal friend and mentor suddenly passed away at the age of 76. It’s a shock whenever anyone close to you dies, but when the person was taken suddenly and without warning, it...
by Michael Martens | Oct 3, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Antennas
When the weather is nice I like to package my antennas for shipping on the picnic table in the backyard. We’re in the middle of fall color season here in Wisconsin, so my backyard is full of brightly colored Maple leaves. I think everyone this week will get a...
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