by Michael Martens | Nov 6, 2011 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, News, Reviews, VHF
I recently received a Kenwood TM-281A two meter amateur radio transceiver as a door prize at last month’s state ARES/RACES conference. Well, last week I finally got the radio hooked up and put a few frequencies into it. General impressions: this is a very nice...
by Michael Martens | Oct 30, 2011 | LPFM, News
It’s hard to believe that the Christmas holiday season is right around the corner. But the intrepid people that put together holiday lights displays for their homes have already been busy for months designing the concept and pulling together the lights and...
by Michael Martens | Oct 23, 2011 | Amateur Radio, emcomm, News
I had the privilege of once again attending the annual Wisconsin State ARES/RACES Conference. I can’t believe that this annual event has been going on for 13 years now, and of those 13 years, I’ve only missed two conferences, the first one, held in 1999...
by Michael Martens | Oct 2, 2011 | 2 meter, UHF
October 1, 2011 marks the date for the 2011 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET). The SET is a readiness exercise to test the capabilities of ARES/RACES emergency communications groups. Unlike Field Day which is more points based and social, the SET drill is usually...
by Michael Martens | Sep 9, 2011 | Antennas, Aviation, News
A big segment of the scanner community is centered around listening to aircraft communications that happen on the ground and in the air. Living near a major airport, these transmissions can be quite numerous; but even in less populated area you can hear a plethora of...
by Michael Martens | Sep 2, 2011 | News
The other day I was listening to the scanner and I heard a page out for the fire department. The address was about a block away from our house, so I popped outside and was surprised to see the box factory near our house was on fire. As the fire trucks got closer, a...
by Michael Martens | Aug 21, 2011 | Amateur Radio, Antennas, News
A frequent question that is asked about my antennas is how much power can they handle. This is a common concern as there are many different styles and construction methods of J-Pole antennas. Depending on what materials are used to build your antenna, its power rating...
by Michael Martens | Aug 14, 2011 | News
Now’s your chance to win a FREE 2 meter J-Pole antenna. Head on over to Hamuniverse.com and register in their drawing for a 2 meter antenna supplied by KB9VBR J-Pole antennas. The drawing is open to all amateur radio operators residing in the USA. Good Luck!...
by Michael Martens | Aug 12, 2011 | Antennas, News
My J-Pole antenna brochure has been completely revised and updated. This is the same brochure that is included with every antenna that I ship. In it will you find information about mounting the antenna, tips, and a short history of the J-Pole. You can download the...
by Michael Martens | Aug 10, 2011 | 2 meter, News
My family and I frequently go camping. We tend to prefer the great State Parks and Forests of Wisconsin as we are looking for a more rustic experience. My kids are old enough now that they can often wander off and explore the campgrounds and trails of the parks. But...
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