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...
by Michael Martens | Sep 30, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, ARES/RACES, emcomm
Late September can be absolutely beautiful in northern Wisconsin, or it can be cold and dreary. We where blessed with warm temps and sunny skies for our ARES/RACES group’s deployment at the Village of Kronenwetter’s annual Fall Festival. The festival,...
by Michael Martens | Sep 25, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, VHF
Daniel, W2GRK of Brooklyn, NY had an APRS packet digipeated during a recent pass of the International Space Station. Reported on Reddit.com: I was able to send an APRS packet off the ISS on 09/22/12 at 03:50 EDT with only 5 watts (a Yaesu VX-170) and a j-pole (The 2...
by Michael Martens | Sep 16, 2012 | Antennas, Aviation, Railroad, Scanner
If you are looking for a broadband scanner antenna, you may be lured towards the direction of the discone antenna. Discones have unique features that make good scanner antennas, but are they the right choice for your setup? Would a J-Pole better suit your purposes? A...
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