Crazy Year - Crazy Propagation

What can I say, this year has - for me personally - been a crazy year full of ups and downs.  My venture in hamdom has also been very interesting.

First of all, I have been appointed as the Amateur Radio Emergency Services Emergency Coordinator for Dubuque County, Iowa.  That is a big step and has (thankfully) been without any needed emergency coordination on my part.  In March, I went to the Iowa Section ARES leadership meeting in Ames, IA and then attended our district meeting this weekend in Iowa City.  The learning curve is pretty steep so far, but I have made a lot of friendships with the other EC's in the state, so at least I can fall back on that.  I have also finally completed 14 different FEMA NIMS (National Incident Management System) courses to better my education for this position.

I have noticed that the "Old Man in the Sky" has been chugging along and making radio propagation fantastic.  Unfortunately, I have been so busy that I have not been able to really take advantage of it.  I did, however, take advantage of the Sporadic E Propagation on 6m yesterday and made my first QSO on the "Magic Band." On begins a journey in collecting grid squares.

Once again this year, I have been chosen to be the Field Day chairperson (let me correct that - no one else wanted to take it off of my hands).  I love Field Day as it is a time for me to celebrate my anniversary of getting my first ticket in June 2010 when I pulled my Technician License out of the mail on the first day of our Field Day operation.  I still remember the excitement I had when I showed up at the FD site and opened up the envelope and signed it in front of all those club members that were present.  It was official and I wanted to operate the rig, but was scared that I would screw something up, so I did some logging instead.  My, how long ago that seems and how far I have come from that day.

I have also started tackling my biggest hurdle in Amateur Radio - CW.  I was given a gift of a program that uses "sound-a-likes" to learn the sounds of the letters and numbers.  I have put off my study temporarily to focus on getting Field Day together, but so far, it has been easy to remember that K is kan-ga-roo and WET is No-Wa-Wa  Eeek  Tall (or WET is dit-dah-dah dit dah or .-- . -).  See, I will eventually get this, it is only a matter of time.

So, I have updated you all on where I am and you can see some of the future in learning code and such.  Now time to get these Field Day invites out.

Hope to see you all on the bands and waterfalls - Have a great Field Day everyone.

73

CQ, CQ, CQ 2012

Well, we finally made it to the year 2012.  Sunspots are on the increase as are the band conditions.  This is set to be an awesome year and I am really looking forward to it.

As you may or may not know, I do not make New Year Resolutions, opting instead to set goals.  While you may think they are the same, I see them as somehow different.  These are just my ham radio goals (the rest are featured on my other blog). 

Reviewing the goals I set last year:

• Obtain my Extra License - my biggest and most important goal;
• Assemble my home shack - mobile is great, but being out of the elements is better;
• Get involved in more contests; and
• Earn my WAS (Worked All States).

Above all else, I plan on having a lot of fun with this hobby.  

I did all except for earning my WAS, so that goes to the top of the new list, but what else...

OK, I am back.  I have thought it out and here we go with the list for 2012.

• Earn my WAS (Worked All States)
• QSL 100% - I have some generic cards that I designed rather quickly on the computer and have been using.
• Catch up on the backlog of QSL cards to send out.
• Get caught up on LoTW.
• More contesting.
• Make my 500th and 1000th QSO.
• Get digital running in my home shack.
• Spend at least an hour each day on the air.
• Elmer at least one person.
• As the club secretary for our local club, I need to get the minutes from the meetings posted online within 24 hours.

In addition to my goals, I have something else that has entered into the ham radio picture.  I have been asked to take over as the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Emergency Coordinator for Dubuque County, Iowa.  

I am looking forward to 2012 and hope that everyone else is.  This is going to be an exciting year.

So, time is wasting here.  I hope each and every one of you has all the best in 2012 and I hope to work you all on the bands.

73

2011 November Sweeps

Well, the ARRL November Sweeps (SSB) are officially over and I, for one, had a fun time - even though I was only able to operate for 10 hours.


So, how did I fair? Lets compare my first year (2010) and this year.


Last year, I was still learning the radio and antenna as I had only had it for about a week. I was still learning what a log was and there was a vehicle breakdown. This year a lot of things actually went better. I still had to work on Saturday and I still had husbandly duties to attend to. Other than that I made almost 100 more contacts this year than last (2010=19 Q's and 2011=116 Q's) This year, the learning curve was with the logging software that I was using for the first time.


I really like using the software to log. Last year, I did paper log and it took me a little bit to get the logs filled out, entered into the computer and then submitted. With the computer logging program, I don't get the writers' cramps and I have also submitted my log already - take that pudgy fingers! Additionally, the computer logging allows me to throw together a spreadsheet to share, as in this: 


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajvnl1xNxjPVdFVQMm9tc2VhV3dhcWRXSkZDbHYwT0E


Yes, there it is - the extract from my Cabrillo file. If you find yourself in there, a heartfelt thanks for the Q.


Next year, my goals are as follows:
1.) Operate from the warmth and comfort of a truly fixed shack - mobile shack means getting the same exact spot if I was to leave, facilities at a distance and the (brrrrrr) elements.
2.) Computer logging is a must - no way I will return to paper logs for a contest. One entry point and instantaneous determination of whether a station is unique or a dupe.
3.) Request time off for contest - this is absolutely necessary and means more hours to operate
4.) Make 200+ Q's.


So, again, thanks to all those that I had QSO's with and I hope to see you all next year.


73 de KDØMCV

Weekly Review - 09OCT2011

I really haven't been all that fair with my posts on here so I have decided that instead of pushing myself for a daily post (and then getting frustrated with not getting first one, then a second, then on and on done, only to give up), I will post occasionally during the week, but push myself for a weekly update.

So, this week was all about anticipation.  Funny how when I earned my Tech license and then again with my General, I burned up the web checking out the FCC's ULS to see "my name in lights."  I figured that Extra would be different, but that was not to be.  I searched several times a day, every day, until I saw it posted there on Friday evening.  Like the school kid looking for that first day of class each year, I was anticipating and hoping that I would see my upgrade and elated when it came through on Friday.  Now you can only guess how many times a day I am checking the mailbox to see if the hard copy has arrived yet.

The only unfortunate part of seeing my upgrade appear on the ULS is that I did not get to work any stations as KDØMCV/AE.  I really wanted to, but time constraints with work and exhaustion didn't allow for that.  Minor detail, I guess.  What matters most is that I can use all of the frequencies now.

I did spend a bit of time listening around on the bands to see what all was out there this weekend.  I noticed that the bands were, for the most part, somewhat quiet and open.  Even 10m has been active which is a good sign.  I did work the DX-pedition station, T32C at East Kiribati on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island on 15m.  Here I am, sitting in the parking lot of the local Walmart and worked a station in the South Pacific.  Gotta love mobile ops.

I have been experimenting with different tools that are out there - tools on the internet and specifically, social media.  I have been tweeting a lot more and following some of the hams that are also on Twitter - namely @NW7US and @amatradio.  Reading on Amateurradio.com, I came across an article about having the confidence to use low power more than "defaulting" to 100W.  It fell right in with what I have been reading about QRP and so I figured I would give it a try.  That Q with T32C was made using 50W.  I was so excited when the op said my report was 5/9 that I am going to start trying to work my way down to 25W.  Mind you, I am mobile all of the time, so it is a bit harder to make those Q's as the ground plane is minimal, but I will work at it nonetheless.

Also, I cam across a station working 40m on Sunday morning that I thought was really odd sounding.  When he called out his CQ, I heard that he was AM.  Really?  I changed modes to AM (never done that before) and he was crystal clear.  I was fascinated and listened for over half an hour and I also pulled his call, WB9ECK up on QRZ.  This led to his website and all I can say is that you really have to read it for yourself.  I will tell you that he built his rig from scratch and even built his own crystals.  I am wanting to get up there and see that thing in person.  Maybe, someday soon.

When I was visiting with the Rock Island (IL) EC last Sunday, he gave me a starter kit for an NVIS antenna for working 80m and 40m.  I have started to get this project complete and am looking to get it tuned this week and  maybe use it this coming weekend to see how I did.  More on that later.

I also met a guy at the Radio Shack (buying a couple parts for another antenna I am putting together for a fellow ham up the street from me).  The kid told me that he was interested in being a ham, but that it cost too much as a hobby.  He attends a local community college here and we all know about the finances of a struggling student.  Chris' uncle is a ham and has a large station setup and naturally Chris thought that you would have to have all of that just to get into the hobby.  I really shocked him when I told him that all you need is a little time to study and the price of the test.  That got his curiosity and so (hopefully) he is studying for his Tech license.  I guess I will have to find something else to buy at Radio Shack later this week. HI HI.

Well, back to work so I can support my wonderful hobby.

73 de KDØMCV

Southeast Iowa Hamfest - My Lucky Spot

Well, I awoke at 3am on Sunday, studied for my Extra Class ticket and begged the XYL to let me head off to West Liberty, IA for the Southeast Iowa Hamfest.  Permission was granted (as long as I picked up a Sunday paper before I left), so I loaded up with two copies of my license, the original (still in the frame), directions printed out and a full tank of fuel and coffee.

West Liberty is over an hour-and-a-half drive south and west of Dubuque.  I am always aware - and a little bit fearful - of hitting a deer on the highway.  Harvest season, which we are now into, is the worst because they are getting pushed out of the corn fields and, because it is the start of the rut season for deer, the boys just aren't thinking with the larger of their brains.  :D

When I left Dubuque, the fog was thick and the eyes were peeled for deer.  Twelve miles out of Dubuque, the cruise control was set at 65, the fog had cleared and we were on our way.  Next stop - I-80 Truck Center to stretch the legs and kick the tires. 

If you are ever traveling through this part of the country on I-80, this is a must stop.  Cleanest restrooms, great food and plenty of things to lighten your wallet.  They also have some pretty neat trucks and some beautiful murals.  If you have time, check out the truck museum around back of the place.

Having filled up the coffee mug and emptied the bladder, it was time to hit the road again to finish the trip.  I was making awesome time and new I would get some study time in before the test started.  My goal was to get there when they started the test session so I could re-take if I needed.  As luck would have it, I didn't need a second chance.

I had three goals with the hamfest.  They were to pass my Extra Class, meet up with the Scott County EC, and witness a balloon launch.  This wasn't just any balloon launch, though.  This was the iHAB (Iowa High Altitude Balloon Project) and the 7th launch of their balloon with payload.  As a space nut, this really interested me.

So, I passed my Extra Class test and the first thing I did after that, was to find my Elmer - W0SAT - and let him know that I had reached the pinnacle of amateur radio.  I was so ecstatic that I had passed that I was floating on Cloud 9.  I thought nothing else could lift my spirits - how wrong I was, as two things lifted me to the heavens.

I promised myself that I would be a good boy and not bring any new radio toys back home.  Money is tight and I honestly knew I couldn't afford it.  Then I stumbled upon a Time magazine that was for sale and I couldn't pass it up.  It was the issue from my birth day.  Not just any birth day, but the one where I first learned that it's a cold, cruel world and also the one that I met the first love of my life - my mom.  Yes, it is from THE birth day.  Price was $2.00 and I couldn't pass it by.

The second thing that lifted me to unimaginable heights is the iHab balloon.  As W0OMT was filling the payload, he snapped a couple test pics with the payload camera and, you guessed it, I am in two of the shots - SCORE!!!

While my actual, physical body did not get to travel to an altitude of 82,138ft, at least my image did (and if the aliens are going to abduct anything, I would rather it be my image and not my person.)  :D

Lastly, I was honored to spend 6 hours of time with the Rock Island (IL) ARES EC discussing two very important issues for both of us - Skywarn and EmComm.  A regional utility has graciously given all the wideband radios that they no longer need (because of the mandatory narrow-band change out) to him and he is trying to distribute to other clubs.  We discussed what is needed to get a UHF repeater back up in Dubuque and discussed how he needs the skywarn reporting to come into the NWS office in Davenport.  It was a great meeting and full of a lot of information.

So, I did it - did it all in one day - and arrived back home in one piece.  Now I hope to work a lot of the frequencies that were out of reach to me just a few hours ago.

73 de KD0MCV/AE

Fall is Here and Where Am I?

Well, it is a beautiful fall day here in the Upper Midwest.  The morning was crisp and the afternoon is turning out to be warm and sunny.  So why am I sitting here in the middle of the afternoon, inside, at the computer?

Study for the Amateur Extra test is really turning my brains to mush.  According to Ham Test Online, I have completed 18:54 of the suggested 30 hours of study and I have been cramming more information in my skull than I ever thought humanly possible.  The good news is that I am actually getting some of it down.  Of the practice runs I have taken thus far, I have gotten 50% (using another study method), 64, 76, 82, 86, 85 and 74.  You have to have a minimum of 74% to pass and the 74 I got was when I directed the program to only give me hardest questions - the ones missed by most people that take the test.

The following is a full report card of where I stand currently with my study:

KDØMCV		QuQuestions	Percentage of test	Current score
Extra Class Exam (element 4) (valid 7/01/08 – 6/30/12)		50	100.0%	86.00%
Sub-element E1	Commission’s Rules	6	12.0%	92.00%
Sub-element E2	Operating Practices and Procedures	5	10.0%	91.00%
Sub-element E3	Radio Wave Propagation	3	6.0%	91.00%
Sub-element E4	Amateur Radio Technology and Measurements	5	10.0%	83.00%
Sub-element E5	Electrical Principles	4	8.0%	81.00%
Sub-element E6	Circuit Components	6	12.0%	87.00%
Sub-element E7	Practical Circuits	8	16.0%	86.00%
Sub-element E8	Signals and Emissions	4	8.0%	83.00%
Sub-element E9	Antennas and Transmission Lines	8	16.0%	84.00%
Sub-element E0	Safety	1	2.0%	89.00%

For those that think this test is easy, lets look at a couple questions from the actual pool.

E3A07 What frequency range would you normally tune to find EME stations in the 2 meter band?A. 144.000 - 144.001 MHzB. 144.000 - 144.100 MHzC. 144.100 - 144.300 MHzD. 145.000 - 145.100 MHz

E3C08 What is the name of the high-angle wave in HF propagation that travels for some distance within the F2 region?A. Oblique-angle rayB. Pedersen rayC. Ordinary rayD. Heaviside ray

E5C22 In rectangular coordinates, what is the impedance of a network comprised of a 10-microhenry inductor in series with a 40-ohm resistor at 500 MHz?A. 40 + j31,400B. 40 - j31,400C. 31,400 + j40D. 31,400 - j40

Now, I am not saying that these are impossible, but for an 'old dog" like me, I really found a lot of these to be difficult at best.  It has been way too many years since I had to do some of the complex math calculations and, quite frankly, my memory is not as sharp and keen as it was when I was a "young buck."

So, I am really being serious about this.  I set a goal that I would get my Extra Class before my anniversary and that is tomorrow.  That is when I will take the test for real - in West Liberty, Iowa at the Southeast Iowa Hamfest.

Latest Happenings

Greetings from the trenches.  This weekend was a busy one as was the week.

I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to Ham Test Online (http://hamtestonline.com) and have started studying for the Extra Class license.  The way that it teaches is to give you some info as to the how and why of a topic, then test you on it.  Questions that you pass then have a reduced repetition rate than the ones you pass.  So it is teach you something, quiz you, teach you, quiz you, etc. and quizzing you repeatedly until you have it 100%.  So far I am running a 74% on 30 questions.  My goal is the have those numbers up around 90% on the whole test and then taking the test in either Madison (WI) or Muscatine (IA) this weekend.  Other than Sunday, I have been getting in about an hour each day of study.  Math is still kicking me in the backside, but I am optimistic.

Saturday, NØRWR, W9UPK and I worked to get W9UPK's storm damaged Stepp-IR down off of the tower and on the ground.  Such a shame that the elements don't hold up.  I have see so many high raves about this antenna, but I am not so sure that there will be one in my future after seeing how one lasts in Iowa.

Band conditions have been superb!  While on the way to W9UPK's QTH, I was thumbing through 10m and thrying to break through all of the pileups.  Didn't work one until I pulled into the driveway and then worked Vienna, Austria.  5/9 reports both directions and then a happy dance that I have finally worked some DX on 10m.  Getting a 5/9 as a mobile on HF from a station nearly 5000 miles away was a bonus.

Also while at it this weekend, we looked over the Motorola equipment that was given to us from Midwest Energy via the Davenport ARC.  Time to start tearing down the model numbers, figure out what we have and get ready to program it all.  The EC there in Davenport is looking to have an established set of linked repeaters along the Mississippi River from Davenport northward to the state line.  Our local repeater is doing so well that we were asked to help on that.  I was looking more towards getting the equipment for the two local hospitals here so we can have on-site ham shacks for emergency communication should something happen.

Well, off to another fun filled week of work.  Hey, gotta pay for my hobby one way or another.

73 de Mike, KDØMCV