eHam.net News

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Propagation Forecast Bulletin #36 de K7RA:

Posted: 02 Sep 2016 09:04 AM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37484


Over the past week (August 25-31) average daily sunspot numbers rose
from 33.9 to 60.1, and average daily solar flux increased from 79.6
to 87.9, compared to the previous seven days.


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Radio Gaga: Ham Radio Alive and Well in Lakes Country:

Posted: 01 Sep 2016 05:01 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37483


In one form or another, the phenomenon known as "ham" (i.e., amateur) radio
has been around since the late 19th century. Though some might say that the
advent of digital communication technology has rendered it somewhat
obsolete, the hobby is alive and well in Becker County, where the monthly
meetings of the Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club typically draw upwards of
a dozen or more radio enthusiasts. According to DLARC vice president
Sudhir "Sunny" Kamath, the club has a paid membership of 16, and there are
20 licensed operators in the county, though he believes there are quite a
few more than that. What makes ham radio so uniquely appealing, he adds, is
its diversity, both in terms of membership and areas of interest." You meet
people from all walks of life, with many different interests," he
said. "There are so many ways of communicating\& that's what makes it
exciting." From low band to high frequency transmissions, Morse code to
complex encryptions, taking part in contests or just chatting with
fellow "hams" from around the globe...there is no shortage of ways to get
involved. "I'd rather 'talk' in Morse code than verbally, especially
overseas," says Jordell Brose of Detroit Lakes, "because you can
communicate with people even if they don't speak your language." Brose's
main interest is in QRP operation, which refers to transmitting at reduced
power -- 5 watts or less -- while attempting to maximize effective
transmission range. Its opposite is QRO, or high-power operation. "I like
to talk to people," says Kamath, who was born and raised in India but
currently makes his home in Detroit Lakes. "My goal is to talk with someone
from every county in the United States -- all 3,007 of them. I'm up to
about 445 and have confirmed 386. Confirming is always difficult, since you
have to receive a postcard or electronic confirmation, which does not
always happen. "I've also talked with people in all 50 states," he added.


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How Has Ham Radio Changed?

Posted: 01 Sep 2016 05:01 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37482


DX appeared many years ago right after the invention of traditional radio.
It features a fascinating history including several revivals after the
world wars and many other interesting facts to consider. However, many
novice hams wonder if ham radio differs from what it once used to be. The
main goal of the radio is still the same. However, ignoring modern advances
and technologies would be rather silly. For this reason, we can say for
sure that amateur radio has changed from a technological point of view. The
rest is still the same as well as the main idea and functionality. The most
obvious changes can be observed when it comes to requirements and questions
included in the FCC test. A license is still an obligatory part for
everyone who wants to become a ham. From this point of view the rules are
the same. The only difference is that the test itself has become much
easier if compared with several decades ago when government established
limitations and strict requirements. Such drastic measured were necessary
considering the war. The Morse code, for instance, was an obligatory part
of the examination. Every operator would no it from scratch. The timed have
changed and rookies do not have to learn the code. However, it is still one
of the most popular modes of establishing signals with other hams. It means
that knowing the Morse code is obligatory from the point of professionalism
and ethical issues.


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Necessary DX Equipment:

Posted: 01 Sep 2016 05:01 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37481


Amateur radio took the international audience by storm many decades ago.
Since the invention of the traditional radio, this engaging hobby still
unites millions of operators from around the globe. A few things have
changed from the origins. We still use DX radio stations and some basic
gear necessary to transmit and receive a signal. The key mission is also
the same. Amateur radio is a global link that connects people from the most
remote points of our planets. Operators have a chance to keep in touch with
other enthusiasts from their neighborhood as well as establish contacts
with astronauts. All you need is to get a license and buy all necessary
radio gear. Many novice operators are confused with many questions they
need to answer. What DX radio stations to buy? How much are they? Where to
buy all necessary equipment? These are only a few questions rookies face at
the first stage of their career. A few things have changed from the time
the first transatlantic contact was established. A typical radio station
consists of some basic components. They include a receiver, transmitter and
antenna. However, the modern world would be impossible to imagine without
modern technologies and some technical updates. The same thing is with ham
radio. You may come across various innovations, modern features and special
tools. At the same time, the easier means the better when it comes to DX.


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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2027, Sept. 2, 2016:

Posted: 01 Sep 2016 05:01 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37480


The following is a QST. There's a new National Park for hams to activate. A
special event station finds two Indiana ham clubs marking a special air
show. Youngsters in South Africa sample the International Lighthouse and
Lightship weekend. And hams are at the ready as weather threatens the
Atlantic Coast and Hawaii. All of this coming your way in Amateur Radio
Newsline Report Number 2027.


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Amateur Radio Operators Prepare for Tropical Storm Hermin:

Posted: 01 Sep 2016 12:06 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/37479


Many amateur radio operators are stepping in to help emergency workers
during Tropical Storm Hermine. The radio operators are volunteers who
provide a variety of services, including emergency communications for state
and federal agencies when storms hit. With Tropical Storm Hermine making
its way toward Florida, dozens of amateur radio operators are standing
by. "We certainly hope that we're never needed, but we're ready to go,"
said Clay County Amateur Radio Emergency Services Training Officer Joe
Bassett. He said they are getting ready to answer the call if land lines,
cell phones or the internet fail. "Amateur radio, because it relies on air
waves and doesn't rely on infrastructure at all, can always step in when
all else fails," Bassett said. Amateur radio emergency service volunteers
like Bassett are scattered throughout counties in Northeast Florida.
They're deployed at the request of government agencies. "Say a shelter
needs to have more cots or supplies delivered. We would pass that
information via radio to the emergency operations center," Bassett said.