Re: [BVARC] Brews with BVARC this Tuesday!

2023-10-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
For what it’s worth, email is great for disseminating information. It does not 
handle conversations very well at all. So, someone has a certain position on 
something. Sometimes that’s good to know. Thank you for sharing. But it doesn’t 
mean everyone has to agree. Let’s all turn the temperature down a bit. I just 
can’t stand it when the kids argue. Some of us are old enough to know better.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Oct 10, 2023, at 6:40 PM, Richard Bonica via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> OK. This is KG5YCU for ID
> Comment? Well I don't have time for a reply.
> 
> We are a club, we have MANY events, and many more to come.
> I have been with BVARC since 2005... 15yrs -- yes I did shorten the math 
> because that makes me younger
> I have seen great things done, and I stepped up to the bigger plate this year 
> to help grow the club. I don't agree with everything, but THE CLUB is for THE 
> CLUB (A.K.A. Everyone.)
> If you do not like something, then say something at the meetings. But make it 
> about the event, not people. We are  all here to improve the club, not kill 
> it in any way.
> Attacking anyone is not productive in ANY direction.
> I am looking at this wondering, if you don't like it, who is holding the gun? 
> Just don't participate, and take that energy and focus it on something you 
> want to do.
> I love feild day (Hot or cold) and I help. I love Hamfest, I am going to get 
> dirty there too.
> OK , I don't have a fondness for driving long distances for POTA, but I go to 
> the ones I can and don't go to others.
> Everyone needs to learn that opinions are like butt holes, we all have one. 
> And some stink more than others, but we keep it to ourselves the best we can.
> Let's look at facts and go from there.
> 
> Remember - like on the radio, there is a human on the other end of the 
> E-Mail..
> 
> With that said, let's have fun, we are here to make DX, commeradary, and look 
> like really smart fools. Let's keep it up and go back to center on this.
> 
> With everything going on in the world, let's not add to it. 
> 
> That is my 2 cents and all I am going to say
> 
> Over and out to all those who want to fire back... 
> 
> 73
> KG5YCU for ID
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 11:56 AM Cal Birdsall via BVARC  > wrote:
> 
> 
> Cal Birdsall
> Sent from my iPhone
> 713-419-1977
> 
> 
>> On Oct 10, 2023, at 10:25 AM, Rudolph Ackerman via BVARC > > wrote:
>> 
>> The best way to handle threads like this is "DELETE":)
>> 
>> Rudy Ackerman 
>> KF5QYG
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 10:09:04 AM CDT, K5BOU via BVARC 
>> mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote: 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I heard the board voted for this issue. And was decided to continue. What I 
>> was trying in my first post was to bring a legal answer to this topic 
>> because s, without knowing, the board had already voted and approved this 
>> event.
>>  
>> I understand It isn't easy to please anyone and we need to accept the 
>> board's decision; this topic is closed for me.
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> 
>> K5BOU-PhilippeBoucaumont
>> Houston|Texas|USA|
>> https://mccrarymeadowsweather.com/ 
>> 
>>   #77940
>>  
>> From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org>> On 
>> Behalf Of Eddie Runner via BVARC
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 9:58 AM
>> To: Fox Danger Piacenti mailto:kelke...@gmail.com>>
>> Cc: Eddie Runner mailto:eddie.run...@yahoo.com>>; 
>> BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>>; 
>> anthony moro mailto:w5li...@gmail.com>>; K5BOU 
>> mailto:phili...@k5bou.net>>
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Brews with BVARC this Tuesday!
>>  
>> if you would read the posts thouroughly you might see i enjoyed the brews 
>> events i have been to.   
>>  
>> as for my children.  if you had read.  my son is a 42 yr old ham who happens 
>> to be an addict.  
>>  
>> the question isnt the event itself.  hams can meet anywhere they want to.   
>> some guys may meet to talk ham and smoke weed (and some do). dont care.  
>>  
>> issue to me is simply bvarcs sponsoring an adult only event.   all events, 
>> meetings and so on should be good for all members.  
>>  
>> Eddie
>>  
>>  
>> Sent from my iphone
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 10, 2023, at 9:51 AM, Fox Danger Piacenti >> > wrote:
>>>  
>>> Hi, Eddie.
>>> We are not exclusively an adult club, but that event is an exclusively 
>>> adult event. I promise not to bring my children. I hope you will have the 
>>> same courtesy not to bring yours.
>>> If the very existence of an adults-only event on a calendar for a club is 
>>> enough to cause problems for children, their caretakers are failing them.
>>> Best,
>>> -Fox
>>> On 10/10/23 09:48, Eddie Runner wrote:
 but thats the problem you fail to see.  we are not an ADULT club.  !!! 

 we work with schools.  and boy scouts.  we even offer a student 
 membership.   

Re: [BVARC] Kenwood TS 850S

2023-07-08 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
John,
It was great meeting you in person and to meet your Wife. Wish we could have 
had more time to talk. Hope we have another opportunity sometime.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Jul 6, 2023, at 8:12 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I would like have this if it if it is still available. When was it last 
> operated?
> 
> Mark
> 
>> On Jul 5, 2023, at 5:03 PM, john Parmalee via BVARC > <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Kenwood TS 850S
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] Kenwood TS 850S

2023-07-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I would like have this if it if it is still available. When was it last 
operated?

Mark

> On Jul 5, 2023, at 5:03 PM, john Parmalee via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Kenwood TS 850S


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Re: [BVARC] Soldering Rosin Core

2023-06-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
The US is apparently one of the few countries still allowing lead solder. That said, it is lower temperature, easier to desolder and lower risk of damaging the board. As to the percentage, a small change will make a big difference. I think I agree with 60/40 but am not certain. Rosin core for sure. Get a diameter which will be convenient to the work you’re doing. Tiny if surface mount, for example. Of course, don’t use plumbing solder. Finally, I’m told you shouldn’t mix solder types, but usually you won’t know what solder someone used before, so the one above should generally work. Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 29, 2023, at 1:44 PM, Gokhan KORALTURK via BVARC  wrote:I second the flux! it will make your life easier working on PCBs with small spaces, small components etc. Well, actually scratch that, it will make your life easier, period. :)On Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 8:28 AM John Davis via BVARC  wrote:60/40 Rosin core solder is the generally accepted solder.  Some solders are better than others which I assume has to do with the quality and quantity of rosin.  Do not use acid core solder.  I like some solder radio shack used to sell which also had some silver in it.  You can also buy some flux in liquid form which is a good supplement to the flux in the solder.On Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 21:18 mark roman via BVARC  wrote:On Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 9:14 PM John D via BVARC  wrote:Am expanding my ham experiences into the soldering world and am unsure what type of solder to use? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

John D
W5RDY


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-- Gokhan KORALTURK
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[BVARC] Where is my ticket?

2023-03-03 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I bought a ticket online about a week ago but cannot seem to find it in my 
email. How would I have received it and what do I need to get in the gate today?
Mark
N5PRD

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Re: [BVARC] Eddie: Digital copy OK here...

2023-01-08 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Put me on the digital copy list please. Mark N5PRD Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 8, 2023, at 10:02 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:
  


  
  
??

Gary Sitton, K5AMH 
gasit...@comcast.net 
?? 
  
  

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio ClubBVARC mailing listBVARC@bvarc.orghttp://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.orgPublicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
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[BVARC] Bluetooth

2022-11-20 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
In the very distant past, about 15 years ago, I purchased a Sony bluetooth 
adapter, hoping to avoid having to run a wire from the radio receiver in the 
trunk and avoid having to install a another speaker. It did not work because 
the old bluetooth had a very noticible time delay. This meant that if I was 
trying to get into a conversation I was always about a second behind the game. 
This was weird. So, it did not work. Now I am hoping to try that again with the 
newer Bluetooth and wonder if anyone has tried it and what sort of experience 
anyone has had. Is there still a time delay? What adapter did you use? Does it 
make sense to go to the aux system of your car?

Mark
N5PRD

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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Re: [BVARC] EXPIRED reminders and NEW members

2022-11-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Eddie,
I was told that I was on the naughty list. However, please confirm that I have 
rectified this and am now a lifetime member.
Mark

> On Nov 2, 2022, at 8:46 PM, Eddie Runner via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> NEWEST MEMBERS
> 1 Kelley Niemann  
> 2 Jenni Barrett   
> 3 Philip MooreKI5WIC
> 4 Patrick Cox KI5WXW
> 5 James Newland   N5JFX
> 6 James Knott KF5NOC
> 7 David O. Johnson
> KI5YBN
> 8 Hassan Thomas   KI5WYU
> 9 David Grounds   KD5UVK
> 10    Fred Blackmon   
> 11    Fred Blackmon Jr
> KI5WOC
> 12    Debra FabianKF5OSS
> 13    Russell NeelKE5MSG
> 14    Helena Sophia Kildow
> KI5UQD
> 15    Luzmaria Ortiz Kildow   
> KI5UQE
> 16    Allen LittleKI5WQG
> EXPIRATION REMINDERS
> R. Matt CenatiempoKC5RIL  2022/11/01 
> Howard Hargrove   KF5EYX  2022/11/01 
> Jerry Tripp   KA5LPH  2022/11/01 
> Mary Tripp2022/11/01 
> Geoffrey Singer   K5GRS   2022/11/01 
> Michael GiannaccioW5REZ   2022/11/01 
> Ted Walsh KI5LKX  2022/11/01 
> Kirc Breden   N5XJB   2022/11/01 
> Gail CloseK5GAC   2022/11/01 
> Lloyd Wheless 2022/11/01 
> Les Griffin   2022/11/01 
> Ken Griffin   2022/11/01 
> Lam LyKI5DJC  2022/11/01 
> Mark Brantana N5PRD   2022/10/01 
> Chris Heustis W5GX2022/10/01 
> John D'Agostino   W5RDY   2022/10/01 
> Bill van den Hoek KI5GKY  2022/10/01 
> Jeff Thomas   KI5RPL  2022/10/01 
> Pablo Gamboa  2022/10/01 
> Ed Seale  2022/10/01 
> Michael Coulter   K5KDQ   2022/10/01 
> Irv Smith KK5QQ   2022/09/01 
> Art CaprioKE5OBY  2022/09/01 
> SAM MCGLYNN   NM5N2022/09/01 
> William Pohlchuck KI5IFX  2022/09/01 
> Ana Davalos   2022/09/01 
> Jason Davalos 2022/09/01 
> Ameenah Campbell  AG5VZ   2022/08/01 
> Matthew Jackson   K5MHJ   2022/08/01 
> Gregory AltmanKI5KCB  2022/08/01 
> Francis Arthur Smith  KI5KNP  2022/08/01 
> Joseph Lopez  K5JLO   2022/08/01 
> David C. Mehl AI5DK   2022/08/01 
> Erik Wolf KI5QVM  2022/08/01 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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[BVARC] Propagation Exercise this Thursday

2022-09-20 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Propagation Exercise this Thursday

Here are just two great reasons to test your radio range with us tonight 
Thursday, September 22: 

This is going to be interesting. I will be running things from  Illinois. 

Yes, Illinois. I will ask someone to clear the frequency for the test, so that 
person will be NCO for the evening. Other than that I will work things the way 
we usually do. Obviously I won’t be able to hear anyone from here. Join on 
Thursday. 

What could go wrong…?

I look forward joing everyone on Zoom. Hope to see you there…
SimplexHouston.com

PLEASE MAKE SPECIAL NOTE - We ask participants to log in by Zoom before the 
net, so that we can maintain radio silence except for the one person at a time 
who is being tested. (If you haven’t been with us before, join us and see what 
this is all about. Everything is explained during the Zoom meeting.)

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO - Take a look at the instructional video Scott produced! 
This will help everyone understand how our Propagation Net is currently 
conducted.

Key Information:
The Check-in and Instructional Zoom meeting will be at 6:15PM. 
The Zoom link and other information is found on our link above. 
The Propogation Exercise will begin promptly 7:00 PM.
Simplex frequencies are 146.540 MHz (Alternative if needed 147.540 MHz).

I hope you can be with us to learn what your 2-m station will do. We look 
forward to your joining us.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com
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Re: [BVARC] Bob Heil

2022-09-20 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Last air show I built a speaker mic into a pair of Harbor Freight safety 
headphones. Worked well for hearing protection. Dead silence. Had no issues 
with the mic being heard as I recall. A throat microphone might be fun. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 19, 2022, at 3:06 PM, Dwayne Jones via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> I have used this headset at the Airshow the last 2 years. 
> https://www.planetheadset.com/noisecancelling-radio-headsets-2.php . I use it 
> with a Kenwood handi talkie. Even when the jet teams are performing I can key 
> up and be heard well.
> 
> Dwayne
> KB5YTA
> 
>> On Mon, Sep 19, 2022 at 1:32 PM Ben Cook via BVARC  wrote:
>> Curious how to best use mics and earphones in high noise environments with 
>> amateur radio. I’m thinking it would be cool to be able to use something 
>> like Surefire or Sennheiser  earphones and some kind of throat mic with ham 
>> radio at events like NASCAR or F1 or other environments like that.
>> 
>> --
>>   Ben Cook
>>   n6...@nanoloop.io
>> 
>> 
>>> On Fri, Sep 16, 2022, at 20:43, Jeff Greer via BVARC wrote:
>>> BVARC,
>>> 
>>> Bob Heil wants to know what questions you have and what subjects you would 
>>> like for him to cover in our 10/13 BVARC meeting. 
>>> 
>>> Send questions and discussion topics my way, and I will compile them and 
>>> pass them along. 
>>> 
>>> This meeting will start at 7:30, and Bob will join us at 8. Invitation will 
>>> come next week. 
>>> 
>>> Thanks!
>>> 
>>> Jeff W5JEF
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent from my mobile phone
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
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> 
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[BVARC] HRO Milwaukee Superfest - September 23 & 24, 2022

2022-09-17 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Has anyone been to the HRO Milwaukee Superfest? It is being held on September 
23 & 24, 2022. I wonder if anyone knows what I should expect.
Mark
N5PRD
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Re: [BVARC] Greater Houston Hamfest

2022-08-26 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Here here, JP,
I second your motion. Anything that brings ham communities together is ok in my 
book. Brilliant!
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 26, 2022, at 9:05 AM, Eddie Runner via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> ALL PARTNERSHIPS ARE POSSIBLE AND NEGOTIABLE..
> 
> Chris are you volunteering to join the BVARC permanent home committee??
> (finding a clubhouse)...
> 
> Eddie (NU5K)
> 
> On Friday, August 26, 2022 at 08:16:00 AM CDT, Christopher Boone via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> JP brings up an excellent idea. I'd like to remind everybody that HamCom in 
> Dallas was an independent organization made up of members from various clubs 
> that formed a corporation to run the hamfest. Perhaps this is something to 
> look at in Houston. Form a corporation as a non-profit group and have members 
> of the various clubs on the board. It needs to be a metro-wide area group. 
> 
> Houston is always been lacking compared to the DFW area in amateur 
> activities, which I don't understand why. Even my good friend and silent key 
> Andy McAllister once said " Houston hams suck." The old Houston Amateur Radio 
> Club used to have bi-monthly auctions at its clubhouse on OST. Sadly that 
> club went under and the property was sold. Which was a damn shame because it 
> was a very nice clubhouse with a fully operational HF station. And 
> unfortunately that just proved Andy's statement. I think it's time to change 
> that.
> 
> Chris
> WB5ITT
> Texas State Employees ARS, T-SEARS 
> 
> 
> On Fri, Aug 26, 2022, 8:04 AM JP Pritchard via BVARC  wrote:
> Dear friends, 
> It is heartening to see the club get off to an earlier that usual start 
> in planning for the hamfest, and of course the expected calls for ideas and 
> actual real volunteers. Finding reliable volunteers is always a problem 
> because most of us already have full plates, with work, family, etc.
> 
> So here's an old idea, submitted for yet another round of retorts that 
> resurface every time someone makes a suggestion --"But we've already tried 
> that."
> 
> I suggest we offer to partner with the other clubs in the metro to help make 
> it a true "Greater Houston Hamfest." It does work when applied to Field Day. 
> Why not try again to apply it to the hamfest? Net income from the event might 
> be divided according to a formula that reflects two factors -- each club's 
> membership headcount, and each club's actual participation (expressed in 
> numbers of participating volunteers). Such a system would give all clubs a 
> stake in the success of the event.
> 
> I'm now feeling verklempt, so this is your chance to discuss among 
> yourselves. Or not.
> 
> 73, JP, K5JPP
> 
>   
> 
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> 
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> 
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[BVARC] Tonight - Our Regular Net Propagation Exercise

2022-08-25 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Propagation Exercise this Thursday

Here are just two great reasons to test your radio range with us tonight 
Thursday, August 25: 

To prepare our equipment for severe weather this Hurricane Season..
SimplexHouston.com

Key Information:

Propagation Exercise - August 25, 2022.
The Check-in and Instructional Zoom meeting will be at 6:15PM. 
The Zoom link and other information is found on our link above. 
The Propogation Exercise will begin promptly 7:00 PM.
Simplex frequencies are 146.540 MHz (Alternative if needed 147.540 MHz).

PLEASE MAKE SPECIAL NOTE - We ask participants to log in by Zoom before the 
net, so that we can maintain radio silence except for the one person at a time 
who is being tested. (If you haven’t been with us before, join us and see what 
this is all about. Everything is explained during the Zoom meeting.)

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO - Take a look at the instructional video Scott produced! 
This will help everyone understand how our Propagation Net is currently 
conducted.

UPDATE OF ACTIVITIES - During the Zoom meetingI will briefly discuss some 
ongoing work being done to enhance our results.

I hope you can be with us to learn what your 2-m station will do. We look 
forward to your joining us tonight.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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Re: [BVARC] Are these emails real?

2022-08-23 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I don’t know if they are real. I was under the impression that the Reflector 
rejects anything with a link. At least it has when I have tried. So I am 
curious that you received an email with a link…
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 23, 2022, at 11:48 AM, Rudolph Ackerman via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> E-mail links and attachments.Unless i'm expecting it, I NEVER click on 
> links or attachments in an e-mail.   I dont care who it is from or what's 
> it's about.If it's not expected (as in, I just spoke to a friend/co 
> worker and they said they will e-mail it to me) I dont open stuff.   
> 
> But that's me . . . . . 
> 
> Rudy Ackerman 
> KF5QYG
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 09:54:06 AM CDT, Henry Peirce via BVARC 
>  wrote: 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Got two suspiciously similar emails, both from mjpnc, to my OTHER email 
> address, just thought it was a little suspicious. Anyone else get these?
> 
> Henry
> K5HRP
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 



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Re: [BVARC] BVARC Ice Cream Social = Zoom meeting?

2022-08-09 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Remember the Soupy Sales show? All us kids’ mothers served us tomato soup and a 
grilled cheese sandwich so we could join in at home. Any ways, that is my 
recollection. Walmart sells their store brand of ice cream for about $2.50 a 
half gallon. It is not exactly like being there, but better than nothing. I am 
glad we’re involving shutins. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 9, 2022, at 8:11 AM, Rudolph Ackerman via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> So the Ice Cream Social is a zoom meeting???
> 
> Rudolph Ackerman 
> KF5 QYG
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Monday, August 8, 2022 at 09:33:41 PM CDT, Jeff Greer via BVARC 
>  wrote: 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> BVARC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 
> 
> 
> 
> Topic: BVARC Monthly General Membership Meeting
> 
> Time: Aug 11, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
> 
> 
> Jul 13, 2023 07:00 PM
> 
> Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your 
> calendar system.
> 
> Monthly: 
> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwkceCtqzgsGdPnXk2OF3eF6akgVw0bwtnF/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgpz0jH9GWthqARpw-HY_oXe_wmHZdjadtkifuUQ91MQbQYONJNYRoQNrH
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Join Zoom Meeting
> 
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88969553637?pwd=RGRQQVdGVnQzSEpBcC9VSWVnUU45QT09
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Meeting ID: 889 6955 3637
> 
> Passcode: 146.94
> 
> One tap mobile
> 
> +13462487799,,88969553637#*924672# US (Houston)
> 
> +12532158782,,88969553637#*924672# US (Tacoma)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Dial by your location
> 
> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
> 
> +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
> 
> +1 669 444 9171 US
> 
> +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
> 
> +1 564 217 2000 US
> 
> +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
> 
> +1 646 931 3860 US
> 
> +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
> 
> +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
> 
> +1 386 347 5053 US
> 
> Meeting ID: 889 6955 3637
> 
> Passcode: 924672
> 
> Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/km4ZKNp6k
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> .
> Join online meeting
> .
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] July Simplex Propagation Exercise - Tonight !!!

2022-07-28 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
How well is your radio really working? In case you haven’t heard, we do a 
monthly simplex test to help operators know their equipment capabilities. We 
call this a Propagation Exercise.  We start out at a Zoom Meeting to make sure 
we all know what to do and then we QSY to our simplex frequency for the test. 
There tends to be a lot of great discussion afterwards when we return to the 
Zoom Meeting. Check us out tonight. Here is the announcement I sent out to all 
of our subscribers. Remember to check out the great video that explains how we 
work. 

Mark
N5PRD
-
Propagation Exercise Tonight...

Here are just two great reasons to test your radio range with us tonight 
Thursday, July 28: 

To prepare our equipment for severe weather this Hurricane Season.
To warm up our skills for Field Day.
SimplexHouston.com

Key Information:

Propagation Exercise - July 28, 2022.
The Check-in and Instructional Zoom meeting will be at 6:15PM. 
The Zoom link and other information is found on our link above. 
The Propogation Exercise will begin promptly 7:00 PM.
Simplex frequencies are 146.540 MHz (Alternative if needed 147.540 MHz).

PLEASE MAKE SPECIAL NOTE - We ask participants to log in by Zoom before the 
net, so that we can maintain radio silence except for the one person at a time 
who is being tested. (If you haven’t been with us before, join us and see what 
this is all about. Everything is explained during the Zoom meeting.)

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO - Take a look at the instructional video Scott produced! 
This will help everyone understand how our Propagation Net is currently 
conducted.

UPDATE OF ACTIVITIES - During the Zoom meetingI will briefly discuss some 
ongoing work being done to enhance our results.

I hope you can be with us to learn what your 2-m station will do. We look 
forward to your joining us tonight.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com
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Re: [BVARC] $60 Laptop at Microcenter

2022-07-24 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
You can reserve this with a credit card online. Micro Center often has these 
sort of specials. Typically they have minimal ROM  and RAM. In this case they 
have 4/64Gig. I like it for a possible travel laptop.They tout this as a Wifi 
version, which it is. You could save to Google, Drop-box, etc, and 64 Gig is 
enough to hold stuff until you do have Wifi. I prefer Apple, but I would cry a 
lot if I broke my Mac. Keep in mind that, if you brought it up to about 8/500 
Gig in memory, typical memory, it would cost about what a typical computer 
would cost. This IS a Wifi version. I have one on hold for me.
Thanks for the email notice,
Mark
N5PRD


> On Jul 24, 2022, at 15:58, Richard Yoo via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Here is the link to order online for in-store pickup:
> 
> https://www.microcenter.com/product/649971/evolve-iii-maestro-e-book-116-laptop-computer-dark-grey
> 
> Limit 5 per order.
> 
> On Sun, Jul 24, 2022 at 3:43 PM Mike Lambert via BVARC  
> wrote:
>> 
>> There are 31 of these on the floor as of 3:30 on Sunday.
>> 
>> Have a good day,
>> Mike
>> 
>> 
>> Begin forwarded message:
>> 
>> From: Richard Yoo via BVARC 
>> Date: July 22, 2022 at 8:04:37 PM CDT
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB , Houston ECHO Society 
>> 
>> Cc: Richard Yoo 
>> Subject: [BVARC] $60 Laptop at Microcenter
>> Reply-To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> 
>> Josh Nass's KI6NAZ video about it:
>> https://youtu.be/7TM0VSra-b8
>> 
>> I just got home from the Houston MicroCenter and I can confirm that
>> they have a pallet of these laptops for $60 there as of Friday 7p
>> 7/22/2022
>> 
>> For that price its a really good value for ham related work.
>> 
>> Richard,
>> -N5YOO
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
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>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] Portable AC Unit

2022-06-23 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I have a unit that might help. Do we still need one? I would need someone to 
pick it up and return it. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 23, 2022, at 7:13 PM, Scott Medbury via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Nope. I do have a propane heater though...
> 
> Scott KD5FBA 
> 
>> On Thu, Jun 23, 2022, 2:54 PM Allen Brier via BVARC  wrote:
>> In previous Field Days I have provided a portable AC unit to help keep the 
>> common area cool(ish). It is not available this year, so would someone else 
>> possible have a portable AC unit to loan us?
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Thanks in advance.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Allen R. Brier N5XZ
>> 
>> 1515 Windloch Lane
>> 
>> Richmond, TX 77406
>> 
>> 713-705-4801
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Fixing a stripped aluminum screw hole

2022-05-31 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Here's a question everyone is likely to encounter at some time, and I am hoping 
someone has an answer. There are tiny screws holding the back of my macbook 
air. The pentalobe size is 1.2, and the screw shaft size appears to be around 
0.75 mm. The screw appears to be stainless steel, and the case appears to be 
aluminum. The screw appears to be fine, but the hole is stripped. Does anyone 
have a solution for properly and permanently fixing the hole?
Mark
N5PRD


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Re: [BVARC] 2022 Field Day

2022-05-01 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Allen,
I presume you should speak with Mike, and if not, he can direct you to the 
proper contact.
Mark
N5PRD

> On May 1, 2022, at 16:03, n5xz via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Who do I contact about FD this year? Will we have a joint BVARC/TDXS/ETC. 
> this year? 
> 
> Allen N5XZ 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] Stargazing

2022-04-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Thanks to everyone who offered their suggestions. This was really educational. 
I believe we will head for Hallettsville, though I am not sure where exactly I 
should be once I get there.

I remember seeing the Milky Way in Barbados when I was about 10. It was like a 
ring sun running east to west over the equator. Even with no moon it was bright 
enough to light up the beach enough to see where you were going.

Thanks,

Mark
N5PRD

> On Apr 27, 2022, at 17:03, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Good info on the dark areas, thanks!
> 
> Name 3 famous Mickey's --- Mickey Rooney, Mickey Mantle and Mickey Way. 
> (National Lampoon Radio Hour)
> 
> Last time I saw the Milky Way was 8000 feet up in the Andies in Peru.  A 
> whole lot of other stars too.  I stopped counting at 254,362 stars and went 
> to bed.
> 
> Rick -- W5RH
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Apr 27, 2022 at 2:17 PM Westley Clavey via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
> I was the assistant instructor in a night sky and Milky Way photography 
> course and workshop for 10 years.  Ron's recommendations are all quite good, 
> and I can add a few other places to the list.
> 
> Most of our courses were taught in Big Bend, but we also did Death Valley, 
> Grand Tetons, Palo Duro Canyon, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Ft. McKavett.  We 
> also did some "on site testing" to see if we could offer some single night 
> courses near Houston, which included, Sea Rim Park & Halletsville.  We also 
> shot at the National Seashore down at Padre Island.
> 
> Seeing the Milky Way is one thing - - photographing it is another.  Let me 
> know if you want any photography pointers...  
> 
> Depending on the month, you will have to look for it in the early, pre-dawn 
> mornings or late after astronomical twilight (usually 2-3 hours after actual 
> sunset).  If you see it at night (in the fall) it will be vertical, 
> perpendicular to the horizon, and if it is a dark enough place, like the Big 
> Bend area, you will be able to see it arch all the way across the sky from 
> horizon to horizon.  If you see it in the morning (in the spring), then it 
> will be horizontal, parallel to the horizon.  Seeing it also depends on more 
> than just the darkness of the sky where you are standing.  Light pollution 
> form population center, drilling operations, etc. can light up the atmosphere 
> enough that it will wash-out your chances of seeing it, even if they are 
> 50-100 miles away.  That was actually one of the disappointments of Death 
> Valley - - encroachment of light pollution from California to the southwest.  
> The Milky Way will always be somewhere from the SE to the SW sky, depending 
> on the season.  So when you are picking a place to try, think about what is 
> beyond specifically where you will be.
> 
> Late April is probably your last chance to see it until September.  In the 
> time in between, it is still there - - it's just up during the daylight 
> rather than the dark.
> 
> On 4/27/22 10:38 AM, Ron Bosch via BVARC wrote:
>> BTW the best night sky in the CONUS is either Steens Mountain Wilderness 
>> (South Steens Camp) in Oregon, or Tin Mountain Primitive camp in Death 
>> Valley.  The best night sky I ever seen in my life was from the deck of a 
>> sub at midnight around 63N 4W, although the night sky at 0N 0W wasn’t too 
>> shabby either.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Ron KE4DRF
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> From: Jonathan Guthrie, KA8KPN via BVARC <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 10:11 AM
>> To: mark janzer via BVARC <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>
>> Cc: Jonathan Guthrie, KA8KPN <mailto:ka8...@ka8kpn.org>
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Stargazing
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Not nearly as dark.
>> 
>> https://www.darkskymap.com/nightSkyBrightness 
>> <https://www.darkskymap.com/nightSkyBrightness>
>> On the other hand, it might be dark enough.  If it is a lot closer (for me, 
>> Hallettsville is a lot closer than Galveston) then I would suggest checking 
>> it out and seeing if it's dark enough.  Try to go in the dark of the moon, 
>> or at least when the moon is crescent not gibbous or full.   I mostly wanted 
>> to share the night sky brightness map.  I'm pretty confident that you can 
>> see the milky way from the green areas.
>> 
>> On 4/27/2022 7:34 AM, mark janzer via BVARC wrote:
>> 
>> A spot much closer, and maybe as dark would be:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Beach Access Point #16
>> 
>> 4245 13 Mile Rd
>> 
>> Galveston, 

[BVARC] Stargazing

2022-04-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
My wife and I would like to do a day trip to look at the Milky Way. One website 
suggested Hallettsville or Sargent Beach. I would be grateful for any 
suggestions. The next new moon  will be this Saturday. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone


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[BVARC] GHSN - Weather Event Response

2022-03-21 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
GHSN

We are sending this note as a precaution in anticipation of potential power 
outages. As of this evening, and given the nature of Houston weather, it is 
unclear whether the simplex net will be useful, but we will take check-ins at 
10 am Tuesday morning, and will repeat hourly as needed.

Assuming we have a clear frequency, the net will be on our usual frequency: 
146.540 MHz simplex, without tones.
(147.540 MHz as an alternative)

Key Information:

Whenever event the net is activated, Radio Operators are requested to check-in 
beginning on the hour. Check-ins will be repeated hourly, on the hour, until 
the net is closed. Additionally, the net should be monitored continuously.
Please listen for your area to be called as below.
In the event you need to carry on non-net activity, please QSY temporarily to 
avoid creating interference.
Please note are a welfare net, and not an emergency net, monitoring the GHSN 
should be done in addition to monitoring the usual emergency resources. Our 
mission is these support to these sanctioned and well trained local resources.
Please listen for your area to be called as below.
Defined Areas:

CENTRAL: Stations located inside the 610 Loop. (All other areas are outside the 
610 Loop.)
NORTH-NORTHWEST: Stations located between the Hwy. 290 and the I-45 North.
NORTHWEST: Stations located between I-10 West and Hwy. 290.
SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and I-10 West.
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and Hwy. 288 South.
SOUTH-SOUTHEAST: Stations located between Hwy. 288 and I-45 South.
SOUTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 South and I-10 East
NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-10 East and Hwy. 69 North
NORTH-NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 North and 59 North.
We will start taking checkins and potential traffic at 8 pm.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com  with any questions.
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Re: [BVARC] GHSN - Simplex Drill - Monday (2/28) through Friday (3/4) 9:00 pm Nightly

2022-02-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Mike
Absolutely! I will send a questionnaire after we are done. Looking forward to 
comments and lessons learned. Thank you for your note. 
Mark 
N5PRD 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 27, 2022, at 6:51 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Mark,
> 
> In keeping with the Drill simulating an outage situation, it would be 
> valuable for all radio operators use their backup radio power solution for 
> the week to see if it would last for 5 days. 
> 
> 73s,
> Mike  KI5MIK
> 
> On 2/27/2022 1:20 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>> Simplex Skills Drill 
>> 
>> Come one and all! On behalf of the Greater Houston Simplex Network we will 
>> conduct a simplex drill at 9:00 PM nightly from Monday (2/28) through Friday 
>> (3/4), and we invite the Houston radio community to join us for as we 
>> practice our simplex skills. 
>> 
>> This drill is intended to simulate an outage situation lasting over a length 
>> of time where we may be without internet, phone and without key repeaters.
>> 
>> Assuming it is open, the net frequency will be: 
>> 146.540 MHz simplex, without tones.
>> In the event this frequency is occupied, we will attempt: 147.540 MHz as an 
>> alternate.
>> 
>> Key Information:
>> 
>> All Radio Operators are requested to check-in for as many evenings as they 
>> may be available. A large number of participants is needed to help make this 
>> simplex drill successful.
>> 
>> Check-ins will be recorded manually by Net Control. We will not be using 
>> NetLogger for this drill.
>> 
>> Operators are encouraged to record stations they hear to be prepared the 
>> event a relay is needed.
>> 
>> Operators should join with the best radio setup would have available, but 
>> handy-talkies are welcome if that is all you have.
>> 
>> Operators should be prepared to indicate if you can serve as a Relay for 
>> your area. You will need a suitable radio and antenna to do so. Participants 
>> are requested to listen for weak stations and be prepared to relay their 
>> check-in.
>> 
>> It will be essential to turn your squelch off or all the way down to enable 
>> you to hear others.
>> 
>> These nightly simplex nets will be called according to our script found on 
>> our website: SimplexHouston.com.
>> 
>> Check-ins will be according to our defined Houston areas as follows, so you 
>> should respond when your area is called.
>> 
>> Defined Areas:
>> 
>> CENTRAL: Stations located inside the 610 Loop. (All other areas are outside 
>> the 610 Loop.)
>> 
>> NORTH-NORTHWEST: Stations located between the Hwy. 290 and the I-45 North.
>> 
>> NORTHWEST: Stations located between I-10 West and Hwy. 290.
>> 
>> SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and I-10 West.
>> 
>> SOUTH-SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and Hwy. 288 South.
>> 
>> SOUTH-SOUTHEAST: Stations located between Hwy. 288 and I-45 South.
>> 
>> SOUTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 South and I-10 East
>> 
>> NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-10 East and Hwy. 69 North
>> 
>> NORTH-NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 North and 59 North.
>> 
>> 
>> I look forward to your check-in. A report will be provided after the drill 
>> results are completed.
>> 
>> Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com with any questions.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
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>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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[BVARC] GHSN - Simplex Drill - Monday (2/28) through Friday (3/4) 9:00 pm Nightly

2022-02-26 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Simplex Skills Drill 

Come one and all! On behalf of the Greater Houston Simplex Network we will 
conduct a simplex drill at 9:00 PM nightly from Monday (2/28) through Friday 
(3/4), and we invite the Houston radio community to join us for as we practice 
our simplex skills. 

This drill is intended to simulate an outage situation lasting over a length of 
time where we may be without internet, phone and without key repeaters.

Assuming it is open, the net frequency will be: 
146.540 MHz simplex, without tones.
In the event this frequency is occupied, we will attempt: 147.540 MHz as an 
alternate.

Key Information:

All Radio Operators are requested to check-in for as many evenings as they may 
be available. A large number of participants is needed to help make this 
simplex drill successful.

Check-ins will be recorded manually by Net Control. We will not be using 
NetLogger for this drill.

Operators are encouraged to record stations they hear to be prepared the event 
a relay is needed.

Operators should join with the best radio setup would have available, but 
handy-talkies are welcome if that is all you have.

Operators should be prepared to indicate if you can serve as a Relay for your 
area. You will need a suitable radio and antenna to do so. Participants are 
requested to listen for weak stations and be prepared to relay their check-in.

It will be essential to turn your squelch off or all the way down to enable you 
to hear others.

These nightly simplex nets will be called according to our script found on our 
website: SimplexHouston.com .

Check-ins will be according to our defined Houston areas as follows, so you 
should respond when your area is called.

Defined Areas:

CENTRAL: Stations located inside the 610 Loop. (All other areas are outside the 
610 Loop.)

NORTH-NORTHWEST: Stations located between the Hwy. 290 and the I-45 North.

NORTHWEST: Stations located between I-10 West and Hwy. 290.

SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and I-10 West.

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST: Stations located between Hwy. 69 South and Hwy. 288 South.

SOUTH-SOUTHEAST: Stations located between Hwy. 288 and I-45 South.

SOUTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 South and I-10 East

NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-10 East and Hwy. 69 North

NORTH-NORTHEAST: Stations located between I-45 North and 59 North.


I look forward to your check-in. A report will be provided after the drill 
results are completed.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com  with any questions.
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[BVARC] Fwd: Mag Mount Advice

2022-01-14 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC


Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Mark Brantana 
> Date: January 14, 2022 at 2:54:50 PM CST
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Mark 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Mag Mount Advice
> 
> Don’t overlook using a Tram through the glass antenna. I a installing one on 
> my car and the 2-m side is all <1.2 swr across the band. 
> 
> There is also a company which sells a replacement unit for the satellite 
> antenna, which has the antenna connector built in. This I probably the best 
> solution, but a little work to install. Not hard, but you would have to drop 
> part of the headliner. 
> 
>  I got the Tram from Amazon for $22. If you go that route, get clear outdoor 
> silicone calk to seal the outside unit a for better holding. 
> 
> I just don’t like mag mounts. I am guessing you don’t want to drill a hole in 
> your roof!!!
> 
> Mark 
> N5PRD 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Jan 14, 2022, at 1:29 PM, Mark via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Shannon,
>> 
>> 1. height matters.  not inches.
>> 
>> the pictures did not come through.  
>> 
>> 2. what frequency - how much power  - is the rig a HT or mobile rig?
>> 
>> 3. what do you plan to do?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mark
>> 
>> K5GQ
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 2022-01-14 12:00 pm, bvarc-requ...@bvarc.org wrote:
>>> 
>>> Send BVARC mailing list submissions to
>>> bvarc@bvarc.org
>>> 
>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>> bvarc-requ...@bvarc.org
>>> 
>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>> bvarc-ow...@bvarc.org
>>> 
>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>> than "Re: Contents of BVARC digest..."
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Today's Topics:
>>> 
>>>1. Mag Mount Advice (Shannon Tassin)
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Message: 1
>>> Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:56:27 +
>>> From: Shannon Tassin 
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>>> Subject: [BVARC] Mag Mount Advice
>>> Message-ID:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>>> 
>>> ? All,
>>> 
>>> As with most new vehicles, most of my roof is covered in glass.
>>> 
>>> From my looking, I have two options.
>>> 
>>> One - Put the mag mount right in front of the existing roof antenna - it 
>>> keeps it centered and thus looks nice, has maximum metal to the left and 
>>> right, but has glass right in front and the other antenna right behind.
>>> 
>>> Two - Put the mag mount to the side (as pictured here) centered to where 
>>> there is the most metal on all sides.
>>> 
>>> What is best? Does it matter that much?
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Shannon Tassin
>>> K4SCT
>>> 
>>> [cid:DFBA2BE3-0198-4520-A1D8-69C149CC9F2B-L0-001][cid:1DF29925-4C6C-4C6E-97BD-EF0C2DDD2B6B-L0-001]
>>> 
>>> -- next part --
>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
>>> URL: 
>>> 
>>> -- next part --
>>> A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
>>> Name: image0.jpeg
>>> Type: image/jpeg
>>> Size: 115446 bytes
>>> Desc: image0.jpeg
>>> URL: 
>>> 
>>> -- next part --
>>> A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
>>> Name: image1.jpeg
>>> Type: image/jpeg
>>> Size: 141143 bytes
>>> Desc: image1.jpeg
>>> URL: 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Subject: Digest Footer
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> End of BVARC Digest, Vol 143, Issue 11
>>> **
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] Mag Mount Advice

2022-01-14 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Don’t overlook using a Tram through the glass antenna. I a installing one on my 
car and the 2-m side is all <1.2 swr across the band. 

There is also a company which sells a replacement unit for the satellite 
antenna, which has the antenna connector built in. This I probably the best 
solution, but a little work to install. Not hard, but you would have to drop 
part of the headliner. 

 I got the Tram from Amazon for $22. If you go that route, get clear outdoor 
silicone calk to seal the outside unit a for better holding. 

I just don’t like mag mounts. I am guessing you don’t want to drill a hole in 
your roof!!!

Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 14, 2022, at 1:29 PM, Mark via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Shannon,
> 
> 1. height matters.  not inches.
> 
> the pictures did not come through.  
> 
> 2. what frequency - how much power  - is the rig a HT or mobile rig?
> 
> 3. what do you plan to do?
> 
> 
> 
> Mark
> 
> K5GQ
> 
> 
> 
>> On 2022-01-14 12:00 pm, bvarc-requ...@bvarc.org wrote:
>> 
>> Send BVARC mailing list submissions to
>> bvarc@bvarc.org
>> 
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> bvarc-requ...@bvarc.org
>> 
>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>> bvarc-ow...@bvarc.org
>> 
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of BVARC digest..."
>> 
>> 
>> Today's Topics:
>> 
>>1. Mag Mount Advice (Shannon Tassin)
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:56:27 +
>> From: Shannon Tassin 
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Subject: [BVARC] Mag Mount Advice
>> Message-ID:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>> 
>> ? All,
>> 
>> As with most new vehicles, most of my roof is covered in glass.
>> 
>> From my looking, I have two options.
>> 
>> One - Put the mag mount right in front of the existing roof antenna - it 
>> keeps it centered and thus looks nice, has maximum metal to the left and 
>> right, but has glass right in front and the other antenna right behind.
>> 
>> Two - Put the mag mount to the side (as pictured here) centered to where 
>> there is the most metal on all sides.
>> 
>> What is best? Does it matter that much?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Shannon Tassin
>> K4SCT
>> 
>> [cid:DFBA2BE3-0198-4520-A1D8-69C149CC9F2B-L0-001][cid:1DF29925-4C6C-4C6E-97BD-EF0C2DDD2B6B-L0-001]
>> 
>> -- next part --
>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
>> URL: 
>> 
>> -- next part --
>> A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
>> Name: image0.jpeg
>> Type: image/jpeg
>> Size: 115446 bytes
>> Desc: image0.jpeg
>> URL: 
>> 
>> -- next part --
>> A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
>> Name: image1.jpeg
>> Type: image/jpeg
>> Size: 141143 bytes
>> Desc: image1.jpeg
>> URL: 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> Subject: Digest Footer
>> 
>> ___
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> End of BVARC Digest, Vol 143, Issue 11
>> **
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] My first DX antenna : MFJ Ultra-Lite Off-Center Fed Dipole Antennas MFJ-2010

2022-01-01 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I have that same antenna. Nothing to report though. I am experiencing a lot of 
RFI. Plus I am lacking a satisfactory radio to test with. I chose the OCDP 
because it spans most of the bands. But also it offers some geometry advantages 
being 1/3 on one side and 2/3 on the other. I g reasonably good SWRs. I Another 
supplier uses a 70/30 split. I would check your OCDP with a nano-van to see if 
it performs at the frequencies you want. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 1, 2022, at 1:35 PM, Ron Bosch via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Rick,
> I put up a 80 M OFCD from my chimney.  I put the Balun on top of a 10 foot 
> fiberglass rod strapped to my chimney top  cover.  That gets it to about 32 
> feet high at the apex of the inverted vee.  So far no complaints from the HOA 
> Gestapo.  While it is visible from the street, it is vey unobtrusive, and 
> just looks like a 4” X 4” box mounted to my chimney cover.  If the HOA asks I 
> plan to tell them it is an atmospheric monitor to make sure the air quality 
> is good.
>  
> Ron
> KE4DRF
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows
>  
> From: Michael Giannaccio via BVARC
> Sent: Saturday, January 1, 2022 11:52 AM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
> Cc: Michael Giannaccio; r...@wannall.net
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] My first DX antenna : MFJ Ultra-Lite Off-Center Fed 
> Dipole Antennas MFJ-2010
>  
> Hi Rick,
>  
> Since I don’t have any personal experience with that particular antenna I 
> can’t comment on the build quality.
>  
> But I do have an OCF dipole with a 4:1 balun cut for the same bands in an HOA 
> situation. Mine is at 25 feet and I’ve been extremely happy with its 
> performance. My furthest SSB contact has been Bosnia on 20m. It’s no beam but 
> it gets the job done! It’s been up for almost a year now and I’ve managed to 
> avoid the HOAs attention. For mine I’m using black insulated wire with the 
> balun hung from my 2 story chimney on a pulley and each leg of the dipole 
> running to two trees.
>  
> If you want to go super stealth I’d recommend building or purchasing a 4:1 
> balun and using some Davis RF poly stealth wire. It has a very high strength 
> to diameter rating. https://www.davisrf.com/antenna-wire/polystealth.php
>  
> If you feel that the MFJ is going to work for you I’d say go for it based on 
> the reviews. If it ends up not suiting your home QTH, well, now you have a 
> portable antenna!
> 
> 73,
> 
> 
> Mike Giannaccio
> W5REZ
> 
> 
> On Jan 1, 2022, at 11:24 AM, Rick Wannall via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> I acquired a Kenwood TS2000 through this forum a few months ago, and have 
> been browsing around for a first antenna.
>  
> There are almost too many resources for discussion and recommendation, a very 
> nice problem to have.
>  
> Based on a number of comments, including remarks  by Dave Casler in his 
> Youtube channel, I’ve landed on this:
>  
> MFJ Ultra-Lite Off-Center Fed Dipole Antennas MFJ-2010
> 
>  
> I’m not exactly sure yet how I’ll get it 35 feet up, but that’s a problem 
> regardless of which antenna, unless I go with a tower. Living under an HOA in 
> a gated compound, I prefer to see if I can get by with just the wire and make 
> that “inconspicuous”.
>  
> If anyone has a strong conviction that this is just the wrong thing to start 
> with, I’d love to know why and what you would recommend instead. Keep in 
> mind, this is not the only antenna I will buy that, just the first.
>  
> Thanks, all.
>  
> Rick Wannall
> KG5ITH
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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>  
> 
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> 
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[BVARC] Greater Houston Simplex Network - Monthly Propagation Net

2021-12-29 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
It is time again for the GHSN monthly Simplex Propagation Net

SimplexHouston.com 
Key Information:

Propagation Net - December 30, 2021.
The Check-in and Instructional Zoom meeting will be at 6:15PM. 
The Zoom link and other information is found on our link above. 
The Net will begin promptly 7:00 PM.
Simplex frequencies are 146.540 MHz.

BACK TO THE FUTURE - Beginning January 2022, The Greater Houston Simplex 
Network will return to its regular schedule of the 4th Thursday evening of the 
month, with 6:15 pm for the Zoom meeting and 7:00 pm for the beginning of the 
net.

HELP NEEDED - I would also like to restart the relay nets for the 2nd week of 
each month, so I need volunteer(s) to help out as Net Control Operator. I am 
just swamped with developing our cool new propagation application. Please 
contact me if you can help with this. The script is fully developed, and can be 
found on the website.

Contact Mark - n5...@yahoo.com 
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Re: [BVARC] Elections! Chili! November BVARC mtg is F2F or Zoom!

2021-11-11 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
This is to reiterate the zoom link which sent out on Nov. 1st. See link below. 
I am assuming this is current.

> On Nov 1, 2021, at 19:13, Mike Hardwick via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Same place as we have Field Day - Duhacsek Park 17034 Old Richmond Road. 
> 
> Mike
> N5VCX
> 
> On Monday, November 1, 2021, 06:17:57 PM CDT, Dwayne Jones via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> I guess I miss something. Where is the face to face meeting?
> 
> Dwayne
> KB5YTA
> 
> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 3:35 PM Jeff Greer via BVARC  > wrote:
> BVARC,
> 
> The November face to face meeting is on, with an option to join remotely via 
> Zoom.  We encourage all to attend, as we will hold elections for the next 
> iteration of the BVARC Board of Directors.
> 
> Topic: BVARC Monthly General Membership Meeting
> Time: Nov 11, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
> Every month on the Second Thu, 4 occurrence(s)
> Nov 11, 2021 07:00 PM
> Dec 9, 2021 07:00 PM
> Jan 13, 2022 07:00 PM
> Feb 10, 2022 07:00 PM
> Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your 
> calendar system.
> Monthly: 
> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwkceCtqzgsGdPnXk2OF3eF6akgVw0bwtnF/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgpz0jH9GWthqARpw-HY_oXe_wmHZdjadtkifuUQ91MQbQYONJNYRoQNrH
>  
> 
> 
> Join Zoom Meeting
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88969553637?pwd=RGRQQVdGVnQzSEpBcC9VSWVnUU45QT09 
> 
> 
> Meeting ID: 889 6955 3637
> Passcode: 146.94
> One tap mobile
> +13462487799,,88969553637#*924672# US (Houston)
> +16699009128,,88969553637#*924672# US (San Jose)
> 
> Dial by your location
> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
> +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
> +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
> +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
> +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
> +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
> Meeting ID: 889 6955 3637
> Passcode: 924672
> Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/km4ZKNp6k 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>  
> 
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> 
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> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/  
> 
> 
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> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Notice - Monthly Simplex Propagation Net

2021-10-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I am attaching a notice for the simplex net tonight, Thursday 10/28/2021. Sorry 
about the late notice. I have made some improvements to the propagation 
application we used last month, and will continue improving it. Just for fun, I 
am naming the current version, “Wright Flyer.” The next version will be version 
“Piper Cub,” so you can imagine how much better we expect to be by the time we 
get to version “Raptor.” I am having fun with this, and hope everyone else is 
as well. Join us for the net tonight and let’s see how far your 2-m simplex can 
reach.


Propagation Net Notice - October 28, 2021.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document

Thanks also to BVARC and to NARS for their help in getting the word out.

Mark
N5PRD
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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[BVARC] ARES Emergency Drill Information for this Saturday 11/6

2021-10-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Bill,

Regarding our conversation this morning on the Stir Crazy Net, I would like it 
if you could please revert with the complete details regarding the ARES 
Emergency Drill this weekend. If you could please Copy All and attach the 
information requested, this should enable the information to be shared broadly 
on the BVARC and NARS reflectors.

Regards,

Mark
N5PRD

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[BVARC] “Plastic” Mast

2021-10-25 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
What does anybody recommend by way of a plastic or PVC or composite pole to 
replace a 10 foot, 1.5” conduit that I am using on my roof for a mast? I feel 
like the metal conduit will interfere with the Offset Dipole which has the 
Balun connected to it. I want something that will hold up to the weather for 
several years. I don’t want to spend a fortune on it. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone


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Re: [BVARC] Radio Repair

2021-10-21 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
David 
My goal is to do just that, fix my own stuff.  I have a pretty good rack of 
test equipment and have done several repair projects. The patient does not 
always survive. If the problem turns out to be something other than what I 
thought, now I have a brick. I wish I knew more, but meanwhile I’ll learn on 
what I have to or what is expendable, and leave the rest to an expert to fix. 
No guts no glory, I suppose…
Mark 
N5PRD 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 21, 2021, at 3:02 PM, ron.litt--- via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hamrepair.com.  Used them. Price was fair. Worked like it was new.
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Ron Litt
> 281-961-4570
> 866-667-0521 FAX
> ron.l...@gmail.com
>  
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Jerry LaVoie via BVARC
> Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2021 8:58 AM
> To: bvarc@bvarc.org
> Cc: Jerry LaVoie 
> Subject: [BVARC] Radio Repair
>  
> Good morning all,
>  
> I need your help.  Being new to the area I have no idea where to look.  I 
> have an old Yaesu FT-757GXII.  It needs to beto be realigned and the internal 
> battery needs replacement.  Does anyone have any suggestions on where to have 
> this service done?  I appreciate your responses and help.
>  
> Thank You
>  
> Jerry
> WX7MRI
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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[BVARC] Stir Crazy Net Discussion - Digital Radio

2021-10-17 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
We usually don't announce the topic in advance, but I am breaking this 
tradition for tomorrow. The Stir Crazy Net main topic will be about getting 
started in digital radio. 

I have asked Walter Holmes to help us cut through this sometimes confusing 
topic. Many of you know that Walter as having decades of professional and hobby 
experience as a digital communications expert and that he has helped many hams 
getting their starts in digital radio. 

Other than this, the Net will be as usual.  Additional topics and traffic are 
more than welcome.

This Stir Crazy Net meets each weekday, Monday through Friday, at 12 noon local 
time on the frequency of 146.94 MHz (PL 167.9). All amateurs are encouraged to 
meet with us starting at noon each weekday.

Meanwhile, you can reach Walter almost any time on the perpetual Zoom meeting 
which he has established to help communicators with their digital issues. The 
link can be found at https://simplexhouston.com/affiliate-news/ 
 . This link should take you 
straight into the Zoom meeting.

Mark
N5PRD
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Re: [BVARC] [NARS] Boy Scouts Jamboree On The Air (JOTA)

2021-10-15 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I am copying this email train to the BVARC reflector for information in the 
event it is not already available. 

Chris Simonton W5TXS is working with Walter Holmes K5WH to conduct a program 
for the Boy Scouts. This notice has been on the NARS reflector for a couple of 
weeks. The event is tomorrow, Saturday, and the details are given below. Phone 
numbers for anyone who may have questions: 
Chris 713-502-7067
Walter 281-543-6502
I know they are still open to volunteers. From the looks of things, this should 
be pretty well attended.

Mark
N5PRD


> On Oct 14, 2021, at 21:42, walt...@k5wh.net wrote:
> 
> If you guys are still available, come on over and join us on Saturday 10/16. 
> 12-4 will be out target operating window.
> 
> We will be around the building BEHIND the main church.
> 
> Call me cell if you have any questions on Saturday.  281-543-6502.
> Thanks, Walter/K5WH
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: nars-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On Behalf 
> Of walt...@k5wh.net
> Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 9:58 AM
> To: 'NARS Reflector' 
> Subject: [NARS] Boy Scouts Jamboree On The Air (JOTA)
> 
> Hey guys and gals,
> 
> I wanted to forward over Chris' message about a JOTA event that he's putting 
> together at a church at Louetta and Jones rd. in October.
> 
> Chris is a recent NARS member, having just passed his tech exam a couple 
> months ago, and is really working hard to get many of his Boy Scouts licensed 
> up as well.
> 
> Chris is not able to join us Friday night for our normal NARS club meeting to 
> make mention of this, as he's out this weekend with the scouts on an event, 
> but he would normally be asking for some assistance himself, so I'm sending 
> this out on his behalf.
> 
> A few of us will participating here to help make a presence on ham radio and 
> give the kids a way to communicate with other stations, and if anyone else 
> would like to also join us, please let me know.
> 
> Since there will be several of the scouts already licensed by the time this 
> happens, it should be especially fun for them to get some real air time.
> 
> 
> Ping me for any questions, and between myself and Chris, I'm sure we can get 
> the blanks filled in.
> 
> Walter/K5WH
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Cmsimonton  
> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 3:11 PM
> To: walt...@k5wh.net
> Subject: JOTA
> 
> Mr. Walter - 
> 
> Per our earlier conversation, I am writing to formally request assistance 
> from you and from NARS in setting up HF stations at the scout building behind 
> Lakewood United Methodist Church (11330 Louetta @ Jones) on Saturday, October 
> 16th for Jamboree on the Air (JOTA). I have already reserved the scout 
> building for the day, but was hopeful that you could help me narrow down an 
> appropriate window of time for the event.  I’m not sure if morning or evening 
> is preferred based on my extremely limited knowledge of HF bands and signal 
> propagation. Plus, I’ve never participated in JOTA, but now find myself 
> coordinating it for our troop. Also, if possible, I think it would be very 
> interesting to the scouts if we could coordinate a ballon release on that day 
> to introduce them to APRS tracking. Unfortunately, I will be on a campout 
> with the scout troop during the next NARS meeting, so I will not be able to 
> make this request in person. Thank you in advance for helping me with this 
> matter. 
> 
> Chris Simonton 
> W5TXS 
> 713-502-7067
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> __
> NARS mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/nars
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:n...@mailman.qth.net
> 
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 
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Re: [BVARC] My handbook arrived today

2021-10-13 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Got mine today. 6-volumes. I’m going to need a new bookshelf!
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 12, 2021, at 9:41 PM, K5IZO via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Mine came in today.
> John, K5IZO 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Oct 12, 2021, at 2:32 PM, Jonathan Guthrie, KA8KPN via BVARC 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> A while back there was a flurry of emails about how you could renew your 
>> ARRL membership and get a copy of the 2021 ARRL Handbook.  That sounded like 
>> a good deal to me, so I went and did it.  Earlier today I was wondering when 
>> it would arrive, and discovered that the answer is today!
>> 
>> Has anyone else gotten theirs?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 



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Re: [BVARC] My handbook arrived today

2021-10-12 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Waiting for mine to arrive. 
Mark 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 12, 2021, at 2:32 PM, Jonathan Guthrie, KA8KPN via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> A while back there was a flurry of emails about how you could renew your 
> ARRL membership and get a copy of the 2021 ARRL Handbook.  That sounded like 
> a good deal to me, so I went and did it.  Earlier today I was wondering when 
> it would arrive, and discovered that the answer is today!
> 
> Has anyone else gotten theirs?
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 



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[BVARC] ARRL 2021 Handbook offer

2021-09-25 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Please excuse me if you got this before.

You can get a free copy of the ARRL Handbook (worth $49) for joining or 
renewing ARRL membership for one year ($49) Here is the information I got from 
ARRL.

I wrote ARRL to confirm when this offer ends and what code should be used. I 
received the following:
--
Dear Mark:  The code HB21.  It is good through 9/30/2021.

Liz H Karpiej KA1DTU
Member Services Representative 

ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio(r)
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400 USA
Tel: Toll Free (US) 1-888-277-5289 or (860) 594-0200
FAX: (860) 594-0303
web: www.arrl.org  
email: ekarp...@arrl.org 
—
New or renewals. Looks like a pretty good deal. 
http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2021-Softcover/ 


Mark
N5PRD

> On Sep 17, 2021, at 19:59, Jimmy Vance  > wrote:
> 
> There are no conditions as this has been verified by myself and others. Add 
> the code listed and get the book. If you are already a member, renew and you 
> get additional time added to your membership and the book. The offer is only 
> good through today if I recall
> 
> --jv
> 
> On Sep 17, 2021, at 12:37 PM, Stewart Squires via groups.io 
>   > wrote:
> 
>> This is straight forward for renewal.  Once logged in enter the code in 
>> coupon/promotion box at the 1st or second page of process and when you get 
>> to checking out cart the book is there for no charge along with your 
>> renewal.  Print that page for 'proof'
>> 
>> Stew
>> KR0V
>> 
>> On Friday, September 17, 2021, 10:54:54 AM MDT, Mark Brantana via groups.io 
>>  > > wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Be careful to check whether there are some conditions. I eventually received 
>> three premium for signing up for three years, but the offer at that time was 
>> to sign up through your club. Make sure you have all your ducks in line. You 
>> may wish to contact ARRL customer service. You might hear that there is no 
>> offer available, as I did.  In which case I would make sure you can document 
>> the offer. So, you can’t assume. This is better than several months of 
>> hassle and frustration. ARRL is not always the most organized bunch when it 
>> comes to these things. Never-the-less, they are highly worth supporting.
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>>> On Sep 15, 2021, at 18:46, Rick - KI7IF >> > wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> John
>> I don't see any details or promo codes on the ARRL site.
>> I suggest you e-mail: members...@arrl.org 
>> They should get back to you with details.
>> Re-post once you have the details from ARRL for those who may want to join 
>> ARRL too
>> TNX and 73 de KI7IF rick
>> 
>> On Wed, Sep 15, 2021 at 2:43 PM John Carnicella > > wrote:
>> Hi Jimmy.  I thought I saw something about that, but can't find it now.  Is 
>> there a promo code or something you need to fill out when renewing?  
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> John - K3JBC
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: m...@ham-radio-tech-notes.groups.io 
>>  
>> > > On Behalf Of Jimmy Vance
>> Sent: Monday, September 13, 2021 12:00 AM
>> To: ham-radio-tech-no...@groups.io 
>> Subject: [Ham-Radio-Tech-Notes] ARRL 2021 Handbook offer
>> 
>> Through September 17th the ARRL is offering the 2021 Handbook as a freebie 
>> when you join or renew your membership.   A 1 Year membership is $49 which 
>> is the cost of the handbook.   I support the ARRL and suggest that we all 
>> do. The ARRL is the only organization that works for the benefit of our 
>> hobby. Our frequency spectrum is under constant attack by commercial 
>> interests
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -=-=-=-=
>> 
>> 73 de NA5D
>> --jv
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 

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[BVARC] The GHSN Thursday Night Simplex Net is Moving to the 4th Thursday [Correction]

2021-09-16 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
The GHSN Thursday Night Simplex Net, is moving to the 4th Thursday of each 
month. 

As before, the net will still begin at 7:00 pm and will operate as a 
propagation net on simplex frequency of 146.540 MHz w/o Tones (with a back-up 
frequency of 147.540 MHz w/o Tones). The purpose of this monthly propagation 
net is to allow communicators an opportunity to evaluate the reach and 
readability of their 2-m radios. 

Pre-Simplex Net Zoom Meetings are added prior to the Thursday Night Simplex Net.

An optional Zoom meeting will be held prior to each net, beginning at 6:15 pm. 
The purpose of this Zoom meeting is to provide training for those new to the 
propagation test procedure and to discuss general simplex topics. The link to 
these Zoom meetings is posted on our website, simplexhouston.com 
 .

Moving this net to the new night will provide an opportunity for some 
communicators who have experienced conflicts on the previous 1st and 3rd 
Thursday times. Additionally, it was felt that a monthly propagation net is 
sufficient and will provide an opportunity to focus on improvements to the 
propagation app.

Additional planned events will continue to be announced on the website and via 
MailChimp announcements.

In summary, the next simplex net and Zoom meeting will be held September 23.

73
Mark
N5PRD

PS: Thanks to everyone for your patience as we have jostled the schedule to 
settle upon the best meeting times and format.
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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[BVARC] The GHSN Thursday Night Simplex Net is Moving to the 4th Thursday

2021-09-16 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
The GHSN Thursday Night Simplex Net, is moving to the 4th Thursday of each 
month. 

As before, the net will still begin at 8:00 pm and will operate as a 
propagation net on simplex frequency of 146.540 MHz w/o Tones (with a back-up 
frequency of 147.540 MHz w/o Tones). The purpose of this monthly propagation 
net is to allow communicators an opportunity to evaluate the reach and 
readability of their 2-m radios. 

Pre-Simplex Net Zoom Meetings are added prior to the Thursday Night Simplex Net.

An optional Zoom meeting will be held prior to each net, beginning at 6:15 pm. 
The purpose of this Zoom meeting is to provide training for those new to the 
propagation test procedure and to discuss general simplex topics. The link to 
these Zoom meetings is posted on our website, simplexhouston.com 
 .

Moving this net to the new night will provide an opportunity for some 
communicators who have experienced conflicts on the previous 1st and 3rd 
Thursday times. Additionally, it was felt that a monthly propagation net is 
sufficient and will provide an opportunity to focus on improvements to the 
propagation app.

Additional planned events will continue to be announced on the website and via 
MailChimp announcements.

In summary, the next simplex net and Zoom meeting will be held September 23.

73
Mark
N5PRD

PS: Thanks to everyone for your patience as we have jostled the schedule to 
settle upon the best meeting times and format.
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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Re: [BVARC] Back on the air!

2021-09-12 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Allen 
That’s good news! Congratulations. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 12, 2021, at 11:56 AM, James Burrough via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Just in time for the Texas QSO Party. See you on 40 and 80 meters.
> 
> On Sunday, September 12, 2021, 11:36:28 AM CDT, Allen Brier via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Good news! I am BACK ON THE AIR! Thanks to Pat, KJ5Y on the rig loaner! 
> CW/SSB only right now, until I get digi modes going.
> 
>  
> 
> CU on the air!!!
> 
>  
> 
> Allen R. Brier N5XZ
> 
> 1515 Windloch Lane
> 
> Richmond, TX 77406
> 
> 713-705-4801
> 
>  
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Dead and Malfunctioning Computer Monitors - Don't throw them out - Lessons Learned.

2021-09-08 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
You may have heard me complain that the monitor I used on my Windows machine 
went kaput on me. After some trial and error I learned I could split the 
monitor case open and get to the electronics inside. Here I discovered three 
electrolytic capacitors “puffed out” and so I replaced them. There was 
definitely something wrong. For example, a 1000 uF cap was measured at about 
240 uF, and a 740 cap was running somewhere around 350 uF. I was sure that I 
had found the culprit, and so I buttoned everything up and tried it. Easy 
peazy. Well, not so much. It continued to fail and so this was where I decided 
to quit, keeping to my motto, “You never want to give up, but you always need 
to know when to quit.” Some things are not as important as taking the preverbal 
high ground. 

From my investigations on the BVARC site, I knew that there are plenty of these 
monitors around for little money cash. Last night I pulled the monitor apart 
one last time before unnecessarily commending its body to the sea; my garbage; 
one more DIY repair that did not work. There was simply no way that I was going 
to proceed without the bench space and time to work on it, or some idea of what 
might likely be the primary issue(s). This old monitor power supply was loaded 
with types of capacitors and MOSFET transistors, which I know can fail with 
time. “A man’s got to know his limitations.” I had given it my best.

But wait. This was no failure. It was a learning experience. I would have held 
on to the thing if I had not carelessly scratched the plasma surface with a 
screwdriver. I ultimately learned that the plasma screen is where the real 
money is but the power supply is usually what fails. For grins, I searched for 
and easily found exact replacements for the power supply available all over the 
internet. You just punch in the model number and version of the board. What’s 
more, this same board is found in name brand and knock-offs of all sorts, 
meaning that probably the rest of the monitor was likely the same, and that the 
only difference might be the plastic case. What is more, you can do this same 
thing with all kinds of electronics boards.

It is worth mentioning my belief that the cause of the failure was a power 
surges due to the many lightning storms and power outages we have had this 
year. (Global warming is not going to defeat me! No sir-ee! "My head is bloody, 
but not bowed.” Though, I did kind of bang my head while I was crawling under 
my desk.)

If I had to do it again, I would buy a verified replacement power supply for 
around $30 delivered. This is not likely to happen though, since I will now run 
my computer and monitor through an APS. 

Mark
N5PRD

Comments listed above are not necessarily my own. Names might not have been 
changed to protect the guilty. 




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Re: [BVARC] Looking for a used computer monitor

2021-09-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Thanks to everyone for the many monitor suggestions. I have many of my amateur 
apps on this Windows computer. I feel one of the many power glitches spiked my 
monitor. I see several blown capacitors in the monitor power supply. It is 
worth a few bucks to try replacing them, but I’ll pick up a spare monitor just 
in case. Appreciate all the suggestions. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 6, 2021, at 3:37 PM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> Chris 
> Is EPO open today?
> Mark 
> N5PRD 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Sep 6, 2021, at 1:46 PM, Chris Heustis via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Electronics Parts Outlet recently got a batch of used Dell VGA monitors - 
>> uber cheap.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> '73
>> Chris Heustis
>> W5GX
>> 
>>> On Mon, Sep 6, 2021 at 1:39 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>> wrote:
>>> If anyone happens to have a a used computer monitor of 22” or larger, that 
>>> they might like to part with, please contact me. My old one just bit the 
>>> dust and it is not worth buying a new one.
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Chris Heustis
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] Looking for a used computer monitor

2021-09-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Chris 
Is EPO open today?
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 6, 2021, at 1:46 PM, Chris Heustis via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Electronics Parts Outlet recently got a batch of used Dell VGA monitors - 
> uber cheap.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> '73
> Chris Heustis
> W5GX
> 
>> On Mon, Sep 6, 2021 at 1:39 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> If anyone happens to have a a used computer monitor of 22” or larger, that 
>> they might like to part with, please contact me. My old one just bit the 
>> dust and it is not worth buying a new one.
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Chris Heustis
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Looking for a used computer monitor

2021-09-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
If anyone happens to have a a used computer monitor of 22” or larger, that they 
might like to part with, please contact me. My old one just bit the dust and it 
is not worth buying a new one.
Mark
N5PRD

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Re: [BVARC] The Big Boy 4014 Tomorrow

2021-08-16 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
And here I thought you were talking about the diner!
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 16, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Westley Clavey via BVARC  wrote:
> 
>  Here are links to 2 pictures of Big Boy I took 2 years ago coming from 
> Sanderson to Del Rio...
> 
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/wclavey/prtexch/EM130502-FrameShop.jpg.html
> 
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/wclavey/prtexch/EM130278-FrameShop.jpg.html
> 
> It really is a marvel to see it underway.
> 
> 
> On 8/15/21 9:12 PM, Ron Litt via BVARC wrote:
>> No. Not a cab forward. Loco.
>> 
>> It is a 4-8-8-4.  U 4014.
>> 
>> On Sun, Aug 15, 2021, 20:22 gmuller12103 via BVARC  wrote:
>>> What is the big boy. Is it a cab forward locomotive? How many drive wheels 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, an AT 5G smartphone
>>> 
>>> 
>>>  Original message 
>>> From: john Parmalee via BVARC 
>>> Date: 8/15/21 3:53 PM (GMT-06:00)
>>> To: bvarc@bvarc.org
>>> Cc: john Parmalee 
>>> Subject: [BVARC] The Big Boy 4014 Tomorrow
>>> 
>>> Monday, August 16
>>> Hearne, Texas
>>> 2003 Market St.
>>> Depart
>>> 8:00 a.m. CT
>>> Navasota, Texas
>>> E. McApline St. & S. Railroad St.
>>> Arrival
>>> Depart
>>> 10:40 a.m. CT
>>> 11:25 a.m. CT
>>> Hempstead, Texas
>>> Wilkins St. Crossing
>>> Arrival
>>> Depart
>>> 12:25 p.m. CT
>>> 1:10 p.m. CT
>>> Houston, Texas
>>> 902 Washington Avenue
>>> Arrival
>>> 4:00 p.m. CT
>>> Tuesday, August 17
>>> Houston, Texas
>>> 902 Washington Avenue
>>> On Display:
>>> 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT
>>> More information
>>> Wednesday, August 18
>>> Houston, Texas
>>> 902 Washington Avenue
>>> Depart
>>> 8:00 a.m. CT
>>>  
>>> John Parmalee
>>> jparma...@aol.com
>>> 281-380-3811 
>>> K5VGM WI2XLJ
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> -- 
> Wes Clavey
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] Local Ham Radio Hero Saves Friend’s Life Hundreds Of Miles Away – CBS Sacramento

2021-08-14 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Probably the first transmission I heard concerned a lady in rural Mexico with a 
nurse. They were 200 miles from a “good” hospital. A doctor who was, as I 
recall, in Florida was advising them by radio. I heard the whole thing from 
north of Baton Rouge. Mark N5PRD 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10:02 PM, ki5lic--- via BVARC  
wrote:

That really cool that happened. I have only heard one other time this happened. 
It was late and the net control operator stopped the net and had another ham 
call for help. From College Station to California  and the man got help. That 
is what I think amateur radio is about. Helping others when they need it.

Sent from Mail App on Android 
 
  On Sat, Aug 14, 2021 at 9:54 PM, Bubba Flowers via BVARC 
wrote:   
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Re: [BVARC] Power Supply

2021-08-11 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I have been very happy with my MegaWatt 40 amp. Some small fan noise, though. 

I bet you will run into supply issues whatever you buy, so you might want to 
get something on order soon. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 9, 2021, at 8:13 PM, Gus Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Those Astron linears (RS Series) are bullet proof units that last forever.  I 
> have an ages old RS-12A that powers all the ancillary equipment on my desk.  
> It just runs, quiet and RF noise-free!
> 
> Gus
> K5GMB
> 
>> On Mon, Aug 9, 2021 at 8:07 PM Bruce via BVARC  wrote:
>> I bought a small Astron RS-20A when I was first licensed in 1993 and 
>> keep it now for taking to field day or portable. I have been using an 
>> Astron RS-35A since around 1995 when I got into HF and was using 2 
>> radios. It has enough power for an HF radio, satellite radio, the TNC,  
>> and another 2m radio. I also power the ICOM CIT level converter and the 
>> Yaesu rotor control interface for tracking satellites. Plenty of power 
>> and has run for many years without a hiccup. I have it plugged into a 
>> Wemo switch which allows me to turn the power on when I am not at home 
>> and also turn the power off when I stop operating and sometimes forget 
>> to kill the power to the power supply.
>> 
>> I have been very happy with the Astron products in fact, I never have to 
>> worry about them. They are like a Timex, they just keep on ticking. Okay 
>> for the young ones here that do not know what a Timex is ;-), like an 
>> Eveready Bunny that never stops.
>> 
>> 73...bruce
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> Bruce Paige, KK5DO
>> 
>> AMSAT Director Contests and Awards
>> AMSAT Board Member 2016-2022
>> 
>> ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE
>> 
>> Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on Echolink - Conference *AMSAT*
>> Also live streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com
>> Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes
>> 
>> Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News
>> http://www.arrl.org
>> 
>> AMSAT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amsat
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] Non-Ham but Raining Cats and Dog!

2021-07-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Scott,
These are some cool animals. Glad to see this Kelli is so involved with this 
great cause and that she has her Technician ticket.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Jul 30, 2021, at 13:18, Scott Medbury via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> My daughter Kelli – KG5QJE asked me to post this link.
>  
> She is fostering a dog right now and adopted another. She is trying to help 
> find foster “parents” or potential adoptive parents for dogs of all kinds and 
> sizes as well as cats.
> All of the animals are spayed and/or neutered. In exchange for your care, 
> they offer companionship and love. 
>  
> https://soca-fbc.org/ 
>  
> 73,
>  
> Scott KD5FBA
> Kelli – KG5QJE
> kg5...@gmail.com 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 

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[BVARC] Soliciting spare parts for a sight impaired Ham

2021-07-26 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
We are looking some spare parts that someone may have available. Some of our 
Hams are putting together a 2-m antenna for a sight impaired Ham in our club. 
We need two sections of coax (at least 12ft and at least 18ft) and an antenna.

The objective is to go 12 ft to a pass-through board on his porch and the 18 ft 
coax to travel to antenna up a nearby tree. We prefer the coax with connectors. 
The antenna type is open, but I was thinking of making a ladder line j-pole, 
unless someone has something better. 

I know he will appreciate the help since he currently has very weak coverage on 
a handy-talky. (Come to think of it, he could probably stand a better station 
radio, but this is highly optional.)

I will be glad to pick up donated parts.

73
Mark
N5PRD

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[BVARC] How to Receive Greater Houston Simplex Network Updates

2021-07-14 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
My Fellow Ham Community Members,

I, along with others, have established the Greater Houston Simplex Network as a 
combined network for simplex operations in Houston and the surrounding area.  
The GHSN has chosen to use MailChimp which we feel is a secure, commercial 
email platform. We have set it up in a way that allows participants to 
subscribe (on our website) and unsubscribe (at the bottom of each email) in or 
out of notices as they wish. 

We strongly encourage participants is strongly do so at the following site:

simplexhouston.com/subscribe/ 

While subscribing is the very best way ensure that you receive full and timely 
notices of our simplex activities. We also try to keep the latest information 
up to date on and posted on our website at:

simplexhouston.com 

Area clubs have been very generous about letting us pass news updates via their 
list-servers (or reflectors). Thanks to BVARC and NARS for their willingness to 
help. Out of respect and gratitude to these organizations and their respective 
email resources, we seek to limit our use of their platforms unless the topic 
is of general interesest to their members. We also seek to reduce repetitive 
announcements of our activities on their nets. Thanks to all of you for your 
continuing efforts to build our simplex communities.

Please take a moment to click on the link above and subscribe for email updates.

73
Mark
N5PRD

PS: Do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions.







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Re: [BVARC] N5XZ Lightning Strike - Seeking guidance

2021-07-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I have a new 650 watt computer power supply you can have if you want it. Mark 
N5PRD 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 3:42 PM, Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC  
wrote:

As many of you know, I have suffered a direct lightning strike here at my 
station on Monday, June 28th about 6:30 am. It was essentially catastrophic for 
most of my equipment inside the shack and I am still assessing the damage. I 
even have some damage to audio gear in another room. Many other homes in the 
neighborhood also suffered damage, one of them so bad that EVERY piece of 
electronic equipment in the house was fried. I am still waiting for a power 
supply to get my computer back up and running, but thanks to Orville K5VWW, we 
have determined that the hard drive is intact. 




I am seeking guidance from anyone who has suffered a similar fate. I need to 
know:




- How did you deal with the insurance company?

- How did you test equipment to determine the extent of damage?

- Did you employ an electrical engineer to provide statement(s) to the 
insurance company to validate damage?  (was is require to?) (Any EE's out there 
available for this?)

- What was claimed? i.e. did you claim all feedlines, cables, adapters, 
switches, etc. in addition to radios even if there is no damage visible?




Any other information which may benefit me in my claim would be appreciated. It 
may be a while before I am back on the air again from my QTH. 




Allen Brier N5XZ 


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Re: [BVARC] Antenna

2021-06-12 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I am trying to determine a delay issue I have noticed with delays in getting 
mail from the bvarc reflector.
I am sure it is not an issue with the reflector, but is likely on my receiving 
end. It may be that there is some scanning application along the way that does 
not like the BVARC naming protocol.
For example, I saw the notice about this antenna email pop up on my phone when 
it was first posted, but somehow this or none of the emails showed up in my 
actual email until over 2 hours later, and then they all showed up at once.
This is weird, but I have noticed delays before in receiving the full emails 
from the reflector.
To be clear, all I received was the top of the emails in a pop-up, but I did 
not receive the whole emails until hours later.
I have checked with Consumer Cellular and with Norton Utilities, but no luck 
with them.
Has anyone else has experienced similar email delays?
Mark
N5PRD


> On Jun 12, 2021, at 1:34 PM, Mike Scarcella via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> antenna is gone now, thanks.
>  
> mike wa5twt
>  
>  
> From: Anthony Morones via BVARC 
> Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2021 11:53 AM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Anthony Morones 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Fw: Antenna
>  
> How far are you from bellaire
>  
> On Sat, Jun 12, 2021, 10:57 AM Mike Scarcella via BVARC  > wrote:
>> anyone want a 2m ringo ranger antenna for free, just come pick it up.
>> 
>> just PM me if your interested. 
>> Mike wa5twt.comcast.net 
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message- 
>> From: Mike Scarcella 
>> Sent: Friday, June 11, 2021 3:29 PM 
>> To: WA5TWT 
>> Subject: Antenna 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>  
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> BVARC@bvarc.org
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] need help

2021-06-11 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Bob 
Perhaps we could have a short conversation. I am a ham and an engineer, though 
my discipline is not electrical. I am sure I could learn what is needed. I live 
in Missouri City. Let’s explore how I might help you fill this need. 
Mark 
N5PRD 
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 10, 2021, at 1:00 PM, Bob H via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Hi guys,
>  Long time no see...  especially since the ham fests are mostly 
> now on the Internet.
> Well, some of you may know me.  I own Expert Linears America.  SPE high power 
> solid state amplifiers.  
> We're near Magnolia, TX.   And we have grown so much that we need some "more 
> help repairing of our amplifiers".  
> We will train the right person.  Good opportunity for someone in the Houston 
> area to have a good home business.  
> 
> If you know of anyone that might be qualified, for example has good RF 
> experience, 
> has good repair ethics, etc   Oh yes, MUST be a HAM
> please have them Email me first at w...@att.net   
> 
> I just love to see you guys active on the BVARC reflector.  It's a great 
> group.  
> Reading your mail keeps me informed about what's going on around our area.   
> thanks,
> Bob Hardie-- W5UQ

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Re: [BVARC] Need Mounting Screw for Circuit Board Stand-off for an IC-745 Radio

2021-06-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Here is a picture of the screw in case someone might have one.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Jun 10, 2021, at 5:52 PM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> I need to replace a missing mounting screw Icom IC-745. I have the stand-off, 
> and just need one screw. If there are additional screws and stand-offs 
> available, I would like would like to have spares. I don’t mind paying for 
> these. They are hard to get. Will appreciate suggestions.
> Mark
> N5PRD


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[BVARC] Zoom link for tonight?s club meeting.

2021-06-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Your message has been rejected, probably because you are not
subscribed to the mailing list and the list's policy is to prohibit
non-members from posting to it.  If you think that your messages are
being rejected in error, contact the mailing list owner at
bvarc-ow...@bvarc.org.


From: Mark Brantana 
Subject: Zoom link for tonight’s club meeting.
Date: June 10, 2021 at 7:39:54 PM CDT
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88969553637?pwd=RGRQQVdGVnQzSEpBcC9VSWVnUU45QT09 


Zoom link for tonight’s club meeting.

In case you don’t already have it...



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[BVARC] Need Mounting Screw for Circuit Board Stand-off for an IC-745 Radio

2021-06-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I need to replace a missing mounting screw Icom IC-745. I have the stand-off, 
and just need one screw. If there are additional screws and stand-offs 
available, I would like would like to have spares. I don’t mind paying for 
these. They are hard to get. Will appreciate suggestions.
Mark
N5PRD

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Re: [BVARC] HAM RADIO Night at the SKEETERS!

2021-06-06 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I would like to attend a game where we are guaranteed to crush the competition. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 6, 2021, at 8:50 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> For Rick Hiller
> 1st base sidesections behind dugout, but up higher.
> Parking included
> Don't care about food.
> Dates -- Not on July 11th, we will be out of town.  all other dates OK.
> 
> Rick
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
> 
>> On Sun, Jun 6, 2021 at 5:47 PM Scott Medbury via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> I still need your input as I will be going to the Skeeters this week to get 
>> ticket PRICING and need to be able to give them a rough idea about how many 
>> of you are interested in attending a game.
>> 
>> Several have responded and if you are one, thank you.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Please respond to me directly off the reflector to kd5...@gmail.com .
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> The choice of days to attend has been narrowed to either:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> A Thursday when the Skeeters offer $1 hotdogs and $2 draft beer and sodas. 
>> First Pitch is at 7:05.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Or Sunday when the “Kids run the bases” after the game. First Pitch is 6:05 
>> pm.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I also need to know if you want to be on the FIRST BASE side or THIRD BASE 
>> SIDE.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Third base is closest to the entrance and the sun sets behind the 1st base 
>> side putting this side in the shade soonest.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> The consensus so far has been to include parking which if paid in advance is 
>> $5. Parking when you arrive is $10.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> No food will be included in your ticket price and none is allowed to be 
>> brought into the stadium. You may however bring in ONE sealed bottle of 
>> water per person. Each person MUST carry their own. ALL Bags will be checked 
>> by security which is provided by the Houston Astros, the parent club.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I am looking at the following dates:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Thursday July 8th against the Tacoma Rainiers – AAA affiliate of the Seattle 
>> Mariners.
>> 
>> Sunday July 11th against the Tacoma Rainiers.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Thursday July 29th against the El Paso Chihuahuas – the AAA affiliate of the 
>> San Diego Padres
>> 
>> Sunday August 1st against the El Paso Chihuahuas
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Please let me know ASAP so that I may put a list together and get back with 
>> you. I will be looking to save us all a little money also as thick prices 
>> from Home plate to 1st or 3rd bases are higher now than from the bases to 
>> the corners. You can visit www.sugarlandskeeters.com for stadium layout.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I will also need to know how many tickets you will need. Until I finalize 
>> the date and time, nothing is firm and no money will be needed. I also need 
>> to see how the group sales office want to handle it as ALL tickets are 
>> on-line and printed by you or sent to your phone including parking.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 73 de Scott KD5FBA
>> 
>> kd5...@gmail.com
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
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>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Rick Hiller  
> e-mail: rickhille...@gmail.com
> Cell:832-474-3713
> Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive
>Houston, TX 77036
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Economical Frequency Counter for Amateur Purposes

2021-05-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I am in need of a frequency counter to adjust my HF radio RF unit for my 
IC-745. The setup calls for setting the frequency by probing the unit and 
making adjustments.

I see that there are used frequency counters listed on ebay for just over $100, 
but I also see plans to construct one from an Arduino which might be sufficient 
for the purpose. It appears that the accuracy needs to be at least 7 digits, 
but the Arduinos go about 5. If it is economical enough I would prefer to own 
one for future work. It would be cool to use the Arduino I already have.


What should I need to spend for a device to do this job done right? 

Mark
N5PRD




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Re: [BVARC] Lightning Strike Prevention

2021-05-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Because of this conversation I just called my agent. The house is covered, but 
there is the deductible. I will also be looking into getting the ARRL 
insurance, though I don’t have a lot. Additionally, the damage might be 
isolated to your equipment. reading is that the ARRL charges you as a fraction 
of the value of your actual equipment, so it could be pennies if you, like me, 
don’t have a lot of high value equipment. It would certainly help get me back 
on the air. 
Mark
N5PRD

> On May 27, 2021, at 10:30 AM, Karl Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I recommend ARRL insurance - very affordable:
> https://www.arrlinsurance.com/ 
> 
> I just recently signed up, but I bought it after speaking to someone that had 
> made 2-3 claims on it over the years and they paid out with no fuss every 
> time.
> 
> Karl
> W5KMB
> 
> On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 7:16 PM Keith Dutson via BVARC  > wrote:
> Some useful info in this post, but shows lack of facts.  For example, it is 
> well known and documented that lightning can strike from cloud to ground and 
> vice versa.
> 
> My station has been damaged by lightning several times.  The worst damage was 
> in May, 2019, when a large bolt struck my 150 foot tower.  This was witnessed 
> by my daughter and her husband who were outside at the time.  The station 
> furniture in the shack was being moved at that time and there were no 
> antennas connected.  However, all units were plugged into power and connected 
> to computers.  ALL computers and transceivers were destroyed, and the linear 
> amplifiers were damaged in the power supply section.  There were several 
> signs of lightning flashover at signal and power connections.  I was standing 
> in the shack at the time of the strike, and there was no sound, but it felt 
> like the time in military basic combat training where I felt the concussion 
> of dynamite blasts.
> 
> Now I have relay controlled disconnect of power and antennas for all 
> stations.  The disconnect grounds antennas and rigs.
> 
> I did collect insurance.  The claim was for about $25,000, and I got about 
> $22,000 after deductible.
> 
> 73, Keith NM5G
> 
> On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 09:40:06 AM CDT, Will Gray via BVARC 
> mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
> 
> 
> There are lots of books on the subject and plenty of examples visible around 
> major electrical installations of how to prevent damage by lightning.  
> Lightning occurs when there is a large charge difference present, normally 
> caused by rain carrying electrons from clouds to ground.  If there is no path 
> to deplete the charge and when the charge is great enough, the electrons go 
> back to the more positively charged area of the clouds above.  The strike is 
> from ground to cloud.  The use of several ground rods tied together and 
> connected to power grounds, water pipes, gas pipes, and the antenna system 
> tends to deplete the charge to the earth, preventing the strike.  Unplug, 
> disconnect and ground your equipment.  During an electrical storm stay away 
> from doors, windows and chimneys.  Get in your vehicle and close the doors.
> 
> Safety!
> Will Gray, KB7QL
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/  
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> 
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] roof antenna lightning strikes

2021-05-27 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
It happens occasionally. We had a guy in Baton Rouge whose whole shack was 
destroyed even though he had his antennas disconnected. Lightning jumped two 
feet to a metal table and took out several radios and computers. Another guy 
had just installed an antenna on his bedroom chimney, but had not hooked it up 
yet. He and his wife were in bed when lightning blew the chimney to pieces. He 
could hear bricks rolling off his roof, but that was all. DX Commander had his 
whole shack destroyed before his eyes. Check out his emotional video on 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABTyqL-8O_0 
. Statistically, I am sure we hear 
more often about how many times lightning strikes happen than how many times 
they don’t. Think I’ll look into what ARRL lightning insurance costs. Honey I 
burnt the house down.
Mark
N5PRD


> On May 26, 2021, at 11:35 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> All:
> 
>Read this, it's very informative.  It turns out the lightning strikes
> aren't always to the highest conducting object, e.g. light poles or even
> metal towers.  It's all about a positive (opposite) induced charge build
> up on the ground.  Lightning arresters don't necessarily cause a strike
> on the top of a building but only prove a high current path to ground 
> to mitigate damage to the structure.  Strikes often occur on parking lots
> where numerous light poles exist and are Not hit. So it's all about the
> amount of built up charge and not necessarily its proximity.  Lightning 
> damage is more like to come via your AC power lines than a direct mast
> or tower strike.
> 
> Last summer many of the electronic devices in my house were killed
> due to massive strike 2 blocks from my house. I lost at repair cost of
> ~$2K and months of my time:
> 1) The Garage door controller,
> 2) All my Comcast video (not internet) boxes,
> 3) One of my A/C thermostats,
> 4) My Ice box ice maker controller,
> 5) My kitchen disposal unit,
> 6) An  Uninterrutpable AC box (UPS), and
> 6) One LED light bulb.
> This damage was distributed between the garage apt. and my house.
> None of my Ham equipment was harmed (sheer luck?).
> 
> 73, Gary
> 
>https://www.iii.org/article/lightning-safety-10-myths-and-the-facts 
> 
> 
> 
> On 5/25/2021 11:28 PM, gmuller12103 via BVARC wrote:
>> Lived in Houston for 27 yrs and have a 2 mtr on the roof and beam up 45 to 
>> 50 ft and never had a lightning  strike.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, an AT 5G smartphone
>> 
>> 
>>  Original message 
>> From: Mike Lambert via BVARC  
>> Date: 5/25/21 10:35 PM (GMT-06:00)
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB  
>> 
>> Cc: Mike Lambert  
>> Subject: [BVARC] roof antenna lightning strikes
>> 
>> How common are home roof antenna (12 foot or less) lightning strikes in 
>> Houston?
>> 
>> How many BVARC folks have had a lightning strike on their radio (or TV) 
>> antenna (elevation 12 foot or less) on their roof?
>> 
>> Is this a Stir-Crazy Net subject?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Mike
>> KI5MIK
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>  
> 
> -- 
> Gary Sitton, K5AMH 
> gasit...@comcast.net  
> SDR/DSP Consultant, 
> "Have FFTs, Will Travel." 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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[BVARC] Thursday Night Simplex Net

2021-05-19 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
This is to let everyone know that the next simplex net will be:

Thursday night - 05/20
7:00 pm
146.540 Simplex (w/o tones)
Ron KE4DRF will be net controller for the evening.

The Greater Houston Simplex Network (GPSN) will make future announcements from 
their secure mail server. Interested operators are encouraged to sign up for 
mail updates at simplexhouston.com .

73
Mark
N5PRD


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[BVARC] Stir Crazy Net Sign-up Link

2021-05-13 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Fellow BVARC Members,

As I mentioned in the club discussion tonight, here is the link for the Stir 
Crazy Net Control Operator sign-up. This link also appears permanently on the 
BVARC website. Currently next week is completely open. John had mentioned a 
ways back that he wanted to start handing this duty off a bit, and that this 
was the mechanism for signing up. I don’t know if John will be ready to resume 
as NCO next week, but it would be good to demonstrate that this sign-up can be 
self-sustaining. I am making a personal suggestion that we try to fill up the 
week. Also, this is great experience!

Mark
N5PRD

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PSu0fUdQUZHrD54L-FRIaDha47qEh_Jqq2baPTKL8V0/edit#gid=0
 



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Re: [BVARC] backup power plan

2021-05-04 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I am all for solar, but the technology seems to still be in flux. Recently 
someone mentioned on this reflector that eventually you may need to re-roof as 
you normally would. At that time the panels and hardware will have to come off 
the roof and re-installed at the owners expense. The vendors never mentioned 
this nuance to us when we had them by. We did not purchase, but at the time it 
was based on other issues. If the company is around at that time, it is likely 
that they will try to sell you upgraded panels. And, so it goes… Does anyone 
know what the facts are regarding this.
Mark
N5PRD

> On May 3, 2021, at 6:12 PM, D. Howard Bingham via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> Easy, get a Generac WHOLE HOUSE Generator, but be careful, as since the 
> FREEZE & power outages several months ago, PRICES ARE WAY UP & supplies may 
> be SHORT with a LONG WAIT for installation.
> 
> My Nephew had the Generac system installed in my Sister's home in Deer Park 3 
> years ago, I need power for CPAP breathing machine at night, sister has 
> tripped in the dark when power has gone out at night. So here it's a MEDICAL 
> ISSUE.
> 
> Alternative would be SOLAR CELLS (GENERAC HAS THESE with Battery Power packs 
> that typically are installed in a garage for use when power fails at night, 
> or during storms.).
> 
> Those who've followed the PBS "This Old House" has seen similar systems 
> installed in major house remodeling over the years.
> 
> 73
> 
> D. Howard Bingham
> 
> KE5APJ
> 
> --
> 
> On 5/3/2021 2:42 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC wrote:
>> Hurricane season starts in a month. 
>> 
>> I am interested in talking to anyone who has a backup power plan (remember 
>> Ike?) to compare notes, ideas, techniques, etc. 
>> 
>> We could comm via email outside of the BVARC listserve. 
>> 
>> Mike 
>> KI5PIY 
>> mikrad...@hotmail.com  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>  
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club 
> --
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] NEWS BLAST Correction -- May Meeting Date

2021-05-02 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Rick
For some weird reason I never got the original news blast that you are 
correcting. (You are among friends here. ) Are you sure it was sent?
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 2, 2021, at 10:33 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> The BVARC May Meeting is Thursday May 13thnot the 15th
> 
> Sorry for the typo.good help is getting harder to find...Editor
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] Fund Raiser

2021-04-25 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
But do they accept pumps?
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 24, 2021, at 9:09 AM, Scott Medbury via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Pump,
> 
> Shoes may be new or used.
> 
> 73 de Scott KD5FBA
> 
>> On Fri, Apr 23, 2021, 12:16 PM Scott Medbury  wrote:
>> Pump,
>> 
>> New or used are accepted.
>> 
>> 73 de Scott KD5FBA
>> 281-543-8376
>> 
>>> On Fri, Apr 23, 2021, 10:54 AM Ambrose E Fawcett III via BVARC 
>>>  wrote:
>>> Do you want new or used shoes.
>>> 
>>> Pump
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Scott Medbury via BVARC 
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>>> Cc: Scott Medbury 
>>> Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2021 7:55 pm
>>> Subject: [BVARC] Fund Raiser
>>> 
>>> A friend of mine is doing a Shoe Drive to collect shoes benefitting Dream 
>>> Catcher Stables. The stables benefit special needs individuals of all ages.
>>> 
>>> If you have shoes to donate, please let me know. I have told her that I 
>>> help her reach their goal.
>>> 
>>> 73 de Scott KD5FBA
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] antenna outside my window

2021-04-22 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I think you have mentioned a key thing. They likely already have made allowance 
for a tv antenna. Your HOA rules may tell you what is allowed there. If so, I 
would consider mounting a j-pole there. If you want to play it safe or cut the 
cord, as we did, you can mount a tv antenna there (and mount a j-pole 
underneath). 

Also, I found it convenient to install a gooseneck on the roof. It is no more 
leak prone than any of the many other vents you already have, but it needs to 
be installed correctly. This way you can allow for as many lines as you want to 
the roof without having to go around a gutter, or some other strange 
configuration. It also saves you from running a lot of unnecessary coax. I have 
two coaxes and one tv cable running through mine. I have experienced no 
troubles whatever, but I thought about this for several months before I did it. 
It is really a good solution.

Only thing then you have to consider is how you are going to ground the antenna 
for lightning, etc. Look at installing an MFJ-270 or similar, but you also 
should provide a ground for the antenna itself to cover against normal induced 
charge buildup.

That said, unless you have radiant barrier, there is no apparent reason why the 
j-pole will not work in your attic. For HF, I worked the western hemisphere on 
10 meter in cycle 22 with a slinky antenna. I think it took four slinky’s.

There are many other possible solutions, but they are situational and will not 
work for everyone. The fun of ham radio is exploring these kind of puzzles.

Mark
N5PRD





> On Apr 22, 2021, at 4:42 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> David, I have a hip roof so there is not much area with a vertical height of 
> 70".
> I forgot about the metal AC plenum that crosses right in 'front' of the 
> proposed antenna location. Antenna blocked!
> 
> Unfortunately I was working from memory when I thought of this attic idea.  
> Now that I got up there with a tape measure ooops!
> Ok, the antenna will go outside somewhere, I just need to make that happen. 
> 
> 
> Mike
> KI5PIY
> 
> On 4/22/2021 4:14 PM, David Holden via BVARC wrote:
>> Why did you scrap the attic location? I have mine in the attic and it works 
>> great.
>> 
>> David, KI5GHO
>> 
>> On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 1:39 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC
>>   wrote:
>> My initial (easy) plan to put my J Pole in my attic, but is has been 
>> scrapped.
>> 
>> Temporarily I've decided to put my antenna outside my office and run the 
>> feed line through window until I decide on a more permanent antenna 
>> location (an HOA will be involved) and how to get the feed line into the 
>> (brick) house. I will have to put up/take down the antenna when I use it.
>> 
>> Does anyone have any suggestions on a good mast that I can put up 
>> temporarily and take down when not in use.
>> 
>> 73s
>> 
>> Mike
>> KI5PIY
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] antenna outside my window

2021-04-22 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
My rule of thumb is that, if I have to involve the HOA, I don’t do it. I prefer 
to go stealth and hope nobody notices. Sort of asking forgiveness rather than 
permission. Once you have their attention, you may never escape it. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 22, 2021, at 1:39 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> My initial (easy) plan to put my J Pole in my attic, but is has been 
> scrapped.
> 
> Temporarily I've decided to put my antenna outside my office and run the feed 
> line through window until I decide on a more permanent antenna location (an 
> HOA will be involved) and how to get the feed line into the (brick) house. I 
> will have to put up/take down the antenna when I use it.
> 
> Does anyone have any suggestions on a good mast that I can put up temporarily 
> and take down when not in use.
> 
> 73s
> 
> Mike
> KI5PIY
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] BVARC NEWS BLAST # 57 210411

2021-04-14 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Correction: Mark’s email address is n5...@yahoo.com 

> On Apr 11, 2021, at 9:31 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  > wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> NEWS BLAST Issue #57
> 
> -- BVARC Club Meeting via Zoom this Thursday, April 15th  
> -- Ham Fests are back in our future   See below.
> -- BVARC Board Meeting is postponed until May 8th 
> 
> 
> NETS
> 
> BVARC Stir Crazy Net -- 
> Tune into 146.94 every weekday at Noon for a fun, information packed 1 hour.  
> Check in and maintain your sanity and improve your Ham Radio knowledge.   
> Spread the word.  All are invited, as with all BVARC nets and activities.   
> 
> Monday Night Net --  8PM, April 12, visit with Dave, N5EKW, NCS. 146.94 
> Repeater.  C U there. 
> 
> Wednesday Night Rag Chew Net -- 3910 KHz at 7PM.  John, K5LKJ - NCS.
>A net to just chew the rag.  Early check-ins from 6:30.  Telephone 
> check-ins call 832-474-3713 during the net.
> 
> GHSN -- Greater Houston Simplex Net --  Join next Thursday Evening the 22nd 
> -- 7PM -- Greater Houston Simplex Net -- Starting on Robert's 146.94 
> repeater, then switching to the announced simplex freq. to establish VHF 
> simplex operation in and around the Houston/Harris County geographical area.  
>  Announcements come on the BVARC List Serve and the BVARC Nets.   Mark, 
> N5PRD, is the head honcho.  Contact him at:  n5...@gmail.com 
>  
>  
> Meetings  
> 
>  BVARC April Club Meeting this Thursday the 15th  
>  Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, ARRL, speaking on Emergency Management.
>  Time: Apr 15, 2021 07:00 PM CDT 
>  Zoom Meeting
>   
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81488100115?pwd=V1RlSXRlcUM5cGZJZHBuemZOZkZuZz09 
> 
> Meeting ID: 814 8810 0115
> Passcode: 653667
> 
>BVARC January Club Meeting -- Museum Ships Presentation on-line
> Jeff, W5JEF, has placed Mark Janzer's excellent presentation about BVARC
>   and the Museum Ships operations on YouTube.   Find it at:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYu225di8YM 
> 
> 
>   BVARC February Club Meeting --  W6SX Contesting Presentation on-line
>   Jeff put notice on the reflector of  W6SX, Hank Garretson's 
> presentation on Youtube.   
>  Find it at: https://youtu.be/Qys_xU8lgCs 
>  
> 
> BVARC March Club Meeting -- ARRL Director, John Stratton, N5AUS
> John Stratton gave a good presentation on the ARRL.
>  A recording of the March 11th Zoom meeting can be found
> at https://youtu.be/D6UEABpuzqo 
> 
>  Testing, Newsletters, Contests and Ham Fests
> 
> Next VE Testing in May   
> Contact our VE coordinator Mark Janzer for a seat.  
> Mark Janzer e-mail is K5MGJ@y ahoo.com 
> 
> 
> April  2021 BVARC Beacon Newsletter is on the web site www.bvarc.org 
> . 
>   
> Texas State Parks on the Air -- April 17 & 18.
>   Details at   www.tspota.net 
> 
> Ham Fest -- The Eastside Amatuer Radio Society (EARS)
>   is holding a swap meet on April 24th.  6AM until 2 PM.  
>St. Marks Church  3811 North Main   Baytown, TX 
>Contact: Wes, W5WES,  at w5...@arrl.net   
> or   832-205-5483
>Check http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar 
> 
>  
> =
>   Ham Radio Trivia ..
> In the Rifleman TV series show introduction, 
>  how many times does Chuck Connors fire his rifle?
> A) 11
> B) 12
> C) 13
> D) 14
> 
>   Last newsletter's Ham Radio Trivia answer --
>  C) HCJB in  Quito, Equador
>   
> ==
>  
>  Enjoy your hobby73  Ed.  
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] Greetings and a question for you

2021-04-07 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
There are still some open plots of land around the Brazos River. Some folks 
have horse farms down there. Outside of that, my guess is that the rest of 
Sugar Land is highly HOA, and I think it unlikely you will find anywhere for a 
tower half that size. Look at properties around the south end of Thompson Ferry 
Road. You might rather want to look out in Richmond instead. I am sure you will 
want to talk with Allen R. Brier N5XZ .
> On Apr 7, 2021, at 1:49 PM, David F. Reed via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Hi, Dave (W5SV) here with a question for you members...
> 
> We are moving to Sugarland  in a few months, and I am hoping to find a home 
> where I might be able to put up a 70' (or taller) tower.
> 
> Are there any neighborhoods you might recommend where this is possible?
> 
> Thanks and 73 de Dave, W5SV
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] A Thank You to John Stratton, ARRL West Gulf Division Director

2021-04-05 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
It is really hard to keep up with technology these days. I am holding out for 
an anti-matter reactor.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Apr 5, 2021, at 1:39 PM, Keith Dutson via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Now THAT is funny! 
> 
> On Monday, April 5, 2021, 10:42:37 AM CDT, Mike Hardwick via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> All of this gasoline stuff and sizing problems are nothing but a headache 
> when dealing with any generator. Get one of these and it will take care of 
> all of those issues (you can also power the most of your street at well)!
> 
> https://www.wired.com/2007/12/toshibas-home-n/ 
> <https://www.wired.com/2007/12/toshibas-home-n/>
> 
> You will have plenty of power for that Alpha amp now!
> 
> Mike
> N5VCX
> 
> 
> 
> On Monday, April 5, 2021, 09:13:50 AM CDT, JP Pritchard via BVARC 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> I agree with you Ron about the hassle of a DIY solution, but for those who 
> might feel confident about meeting that challenge, but hesitant to take on a 
> 10 to 20 thousand dollar investment in a "whole house" generator, here's a 
> less expensive plan: Install a single room heat pump style air conditioner, 
> and add a small fridge and microwave. Then power it with a small moveable 
> generator. That set up would keep you warm or cool, keep the lights in your 
> one room going and power for your fridge, microwave and TV. There would be a 
> cost, but not nearly what you'd face with the Generac solution.
>  
> JP (Richard) K5JPP
>> On 04/05/2021 8:56 AM k5hm.ron--- via BVARC  wrote:
>>  
>>  
>> Yes, the solution N5PRD describes  was possible. We had a portable generator 
>> before we purchased the Generac solution.
>> 
>>  
>> At our age which I am guessing is more advanced, the job of pulling out the 
>> generator from the garage, hooking it up, testing it periodically, having 
>> some type of feed through connection from the generator to the fan and other 
>> things you want to power like the refrigerator and the upright freezer, 
>> storing and hunting around for fuel, going outside to refuel the generator 
>> in the cold dark night were also considerations
>> 
>>  
>> So I opted for the more automated solution. It is permanently installed by 
>> licensed plumbers and electricians, self-testing, automatically switches on 
>> whenever the utility power goes out. I have a seven year warranty on it and 
>> the maintenance plan too.
>> 
>>  
>> And I also have the satisfaction of knowing that my wife and family are also 
>> protected from electrical failures after I pass on.   
>> 
>>  
>> 73,
>> 
>> Ron, K5HM
>> 
>> k5hm@gmail.com <mailto:k5hm@gmail.com>
>> www.qrz.com/db/k5hm <http://www.qrz.com/db/k5hm>
>> 
>> 
>> Excelsior!
>> 
>>  
>> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Mark Brantana via BVARC
>> Sent: Sunday, April 4, 2021 11:35 PM
>> To: kk...@arrl.net; BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Cc: Mark Brantana 
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] A Thank You to John Stratton, ARRL West Gulf Division 
>> Director
>> 
>>  
>> I just have to wonder, how Generac can justify the cost of their generator. 
>> That is what does not add up for me.
>> 
>> 4kW = $250 at Home Depot
>> 
>> 17kW=$10,000 from Generac
>> 
>>  
>> Looking at the chart below; from Hiller, if you want A/C included, it is 
>> going to take that much power. 
>> 
>>  
>> If this is not critical, there another option could be considered:
>> 
>>  
>> A whole-house unit would be nice to have, but a Generac would cost about 
>> $120+/mo for four years. The small 4kW portable generator I bought would be 
>> paid for in about 2 months at that rate. 
>> 
>>  
>> If you have gas heat, you can run the fan with the smaller unit. In this 
>> option you can buy all the emergency generating power you need for the cost 
>> of the 4kW generator I bought at Home Depot for around $250.  Add a SPDT 
>> switch to the fan and wiring for around $100 and the total cost is about 
>> $350.
>> 
>>  
>> It does not have to be Generac or nothing. Even if I had the cash, I don’t 
>> know if I could justify the very high $/kW. I would prefer a few more 
>> vacations.
>> 
>>  
>> I would have been very comfortable if I had just been able to run the heater 
>> fan.
>> 
>>  
>> Mark
>> 
>> N5PRD
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Apr 4, 2021, at 8:11 PM, Bruce via BVARC > <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> 
>>  
&g

Re: [BVARC] A Thank You to John Stratton, ARRL West Gulf Division Director

2021-04-04 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I just have to wonder, how Generac can justify the cost of their generator. 
That is what does not add up for me.
4kW = $250 at Home Depot
17kW=$10,000 from Generac

Looking at the chart below; from Hiller, if you want A/C included, it is going 
to take that much power. 

If this is not critical, there another option could be considered:

A whole-house unit would be nice to have, but a Generac would cost about 
$120+/mo for four years. The small 4kW portable generator I bought would be 
paid for in about 2 months at that rate. 

If you have gas heat, you can run the fan with the smaller unit. In this option 
you can buy all the emergency generating power you need for the cost of the 4kW 
generator I bought at Home Depot for around $250.  Add a SPDT switch to the fan 
and wiring for around $100 and the total cost is about $350.

It does not have to be Generac or nothing. Even if I had the cash, I don’t know 
if I could justify the very high $/kW. I would prefer a few more vacations.

I would have been very comfortable if I had just been able to run the heater 
fan.

Mark
N5PRD


> On Apr 4, 2021, at 8:11 PM, Bruce via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> We had our Generac whole house generator installed in August, 2020. Our house 
> is all electric. Shortly after, someone cut down a tree about a 1/2 mile from 
> us, it fell on a utility pole knocking out power to our entire street for 8 
> hours. The generator was great during that summer heat. Then came the cold of 
> February and it worked great for 4 days. The neighbors on both sides of me 
> and behind me all have generators. The $10,000 investment will never be 
> recovered however, having power is wonderful. In fact, it cost me about $1.25 
> an hour in natural gas to run the generator. Could not be more pleased. 
> 
> For those getting a generator, if you go after a Generac, be sure to watch 
> their website for warranty specials. I have a 10-year warranty plus the first 
> year onsite service. Paid my dealer for 5 years of onsite above that. 
> Changing the oil is a piece of cake as I had to do it during the cold. Every 
> 25 hours of run time. I bought 6 filters and a bunch of 5W30 synthetic oil to 
> do it during an emergency when the dealer could not come out. Takes about 10 
> minutes to change it. 
> 
> Enjoy your generator. 
> 
> 73...bruce
> 
> On 4/4/2021 7:57 PM, k5hm.ron--- via BVARC wrote:
>> For those of you who don’t know John, I met him when he was the Division 
>> Vice Director.  He is very active in the ARRL and a great advocate for hams 
>> in Texas. He has been a frequent presenter at our Ham Fest and club 
>> meetings.   He knows his way around Texas politicians too.   I’ve never had 
>> much use for lawyers but John is the exception. Perhaps because like me, he 
>> is also an engineer.  
>>  
>> Dear John,
>>  
>> I wanted to thank you for your persistence in guiding the Texas legislature 
>> to pass recent legislation regarding HOA’s preventing the installation of 
>> standby generators.  
>>  
>> During the recent  Texas freeze my XYL and I were without power for 4 days 
>> We existed by camping out in our family room with the cats and the gas 
>> fireplace and lots of flashlight batteries.  Fortunately, we have a gas 
>> stovetop, so we were able to prepare food.  When it was over, I vowed, we 
>> would not have to live without heating and AC winter or summer.  We signed 
>> with a local dealer and hopefully we will have the standby system installed 
>> before the 2021 hurricane season begins. 
>>  
>> While we were going through the paper work with the company rep, he showed 
>> us a suggested letter we could send to our HOA that stated
>> “I  understand it is my responsibility to obtain all HOA approvals for my 
>> whole house generator system. I acknowledge Quality Generators cannot act on 
>> my behalf in dealings with my HOA.”
>>  
>> It was then I remembered John talking about his legislation regarding this 
>> problem.  So I Googled it.  There it was in black and white. Texas Property 
>> Code Section 202.019. I
>>  
>> It reads: Except as provided by this section, a property owners' association 
>> may not adopt or enforce a dedicatory instrument provision that prohibits, 
>> restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting an owner from 
>> owning, operating, installing, or maintaining a permanently installed 
>> standby electric generator.
>>  
>> Thanks again John.  
>> 73,
>> Ron, K5HM
>> k5hm@gmail.com 
>> www.qrz.com/db/k5hm 
>> 
>> Excelsior!
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>> 

Re: [BVARC] (no subject)

2021-03-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Finally, really, the term band plan does not appear anywhere in part 97, and 
this is likely the reason for some discrepancy as to what it is and who defines 
it. The FCC clearly has some regulations. Other ham organizations seek to go 
further in the pursuit of self regulation.
Mark

> On Mar 30, 2021, at 4:55 PM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> For example, see the following link from Wikipedia:
> 
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_frequency_allocations 
> 
> 
> under "Table of amateur MF and HF bandplans"
> [edit 
> ]
> The following charts show the voluntary bandplans used by amateurs in ITU 
> Region 1. Unlike the US, slots for the various transmission modes are not set 
> by the amateur's license but most users do follow these guidelines
> Interesting question, though, with so many hams spreading out among many 
> different modes. And, lets not forget the part the ITU plays over top of all 
> of this. Hams can get an inexpensive copy of the latest Part 97 from ARRL.
> Mark
>> On Mar 30, 2021, at 4:19 PM, Mark Brantana > > wrote:
>> 
>> It’s complicated. See: FCC Part 97 4th ed 97.305. Shared frequencies like 
>> 60-m are an exceptions to the rule. Generally I see that the FCC also 
>> designates certain modes for portions of bands. These obviously have the 
>> force of law. 
>> 
>> Band plans must comply with the regulations. I believe they are part of the 
>> expectation that we can be self regulating. I don’t believe they have the 
>> force of law. They may come from ARRL, and lately I have learned that they 
>> may come from a state committee as well. They seem to range from very 
>> strongly recommend as good practice to suggestions.
>> 
>> Open to flogging if I am wrong. 
>> 
>> Mark 
>> N5PRD 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Mar 30, 2021, at 3:28 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe band allocations/band 
>>> edges are set by the FCC, but the band plans are all ARRL.
>>> 
>>> From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org>> on 
>>> behalf of K5BOU via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 2:48 PM
>>> To: bvarc@bvarc.org  >> >
>>> Cc: K5BOU mailto:phili...@k5bou.net>>
>>> Subject: [BVARC] (no subject)
>>>  
>>> Are this already in place or need the FCC approval? Thanks 
>>> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ODV/Second%20Board%20Meeting%20July%202020/Doc%2025A%20Band%20Plan%20Final-1b.pdf
>>>  
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>>> 
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org 
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>>> 
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>>  
> 


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Re: [BVARC] (no subject)

2021-03-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
For example, see the following link from Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_frequency_allocations 


under "Table of amateur MF and HF bandplans"
[edit 
]
The following charts show the voluntary bandplans used by amateurs in ITU 
Region 1. Unlike the US, slots for the various transmission modes are not set 
by the amateur's license but most users do follow these guidelines
Interesting question, though, with so many hams spreading out among many 
different modes. And, lets not forget the part the ITU plays over top of all of 
this. Hams can get an inexpensive copy of the latest Part 97 from ARRL.
Mark
> On Mar 30, 2021, at 4:19 PM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> It’s complicated. See: FCC Part 97 4th ed 97.305. Shared frequencies like 
> 60-m are an exceptions to the rule. Generally I see that the FCC also 
> designates certain modes for portions of bands. These obviously have the 
> force of law. 
> 
> Band plans must comply with the regulations. I believe they are part of the 
> expectation that we can be self regulating. I don’t believe they have the 
> force of law. They may come from ARRL, and lately I have learned that they 
> may come from a state committee as well. They seem to range from very 
> strongly recommend as good practice to suggestions.
> 
> Open to flogging if I am wrong. 
> 
> Mark 
> N5PRD 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 30, 2021, at 3:28 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe band allocations/band 
>> edges are set by the FCC, but the band plans are all ARRL.
>> 
>> From: BVARC  on behalf of K5BOU via BVARC 
>> 
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 2:48 PM
>> To: bvarc@bvarc.org 
>> Cc: K5BOU 
>> Subject: [BVARC] (no subject)
>>  
>> Are this already in place or need the FCC approval? Thanks 
>> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ODV/Second%20Board%20Meeting%20July%202020/Doc%2025A%20Band%20Plan%20Final-1b.pdf
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
>> 
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>  
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] (no subject)

2021-03-30 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
It’s complicated. See: FCC Part 97 4th ed 97.305. Shared frequencies like 60-m 
are an exceptions to the rule. Generally I see that the FCC also designates 
certain modes for portions of bands. These obviously have the force of law. 

Band plans must comply with the regulations. I believe they are part of the 
expectation that we can be self regulating. I don’t believe they have the force 
of law. They may come from ARRL, and lately I have learned that they may come 
from a state committee as well. They seem to range from very strongly recommend 
as good practice to suggestions.

Open to flogging if I am wrong. 

Mark 
N5PRD 



Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 30, 2021, at 3:28 PM, Jeff Greer via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe band allocations/band 
> edges are set by the FCC, but the band plans are all ARRL.
> 
> From: BVARC  on behalf of K5BOU via BVARC 
> 
> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 2:48 PM
> To: bvarc@bvarc.org 
> Cc: K5BOU 
> Subject: [BVARC] (no subject)
>  
> Are this already in place or need the FCC approval? Thanks 
> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ODV/Second%20Board%20Meeting%20July%202020/Doc%2025A%20Band%20Plan%20Final-1b.pdf
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] Recap Friday night 's NARS meeting, 40 meter vertical, No radials

2021-03-23 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Good presentation. No stranger to asking a stupid question, but I am thinking 
of the 10 meter slinky I used to run in my attic years ago. I had it strung 
from one end of my apartment attic to the other over some chord; less than 30 
ft. I don’t recall how I tuned it or how long the actual straightened slinky 
would have been. Not sure it was that sophisticated. I think I probably used 
two slinkies on each side. My log shows the SWR was great. I wonder how this 
would be if I had turned this slinky dipole vertically. Probably would yield a 
high Q, for sure, but I wonder how far you can carry the concept of coiling a 
dipole to shorten its length, and get away with it.

Mark
N5PRD

> On Mar 22, 2021, at 1:16 PM, john Parmalee via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> First I would like to thank John Portune W6NBC for the presentation  and his 
> continuing leadership in the ham community.
>  
> John Spoke on a 40 meter antenna without radials he has designed.  John 
> provides an number of construction tips as well the practical advantages of a 
> vertical, an often misunderstood antenna,
>  
> See his presentation:  http://www.k5wh.net/Nars/Club/3-19-21 
>  
>  
> For more of the same check out W6NBC.COM
>  
> John Parmalee
> jparma...@aol.com 
> 281-380-3811 
> K5VGM WI2XLJ
>  
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-22 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
What is the price of admission?

> On Mar 22, 2021, at 7:37 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> Mark,
> Have a read in an ARRL Antenna Handbook about antenna measurements, test site 
> set up, absolute gain and pattern measurements.   Might shed some light on 
> your project.
> Also near field versus far field distances and characteristics.
> 
> That forum’s presentations are on demand online until April 15th.   Working 
> my way thru.  I’ve only seen a few so far.
> RH
> 
> 
> On Mar 22, 2021, at 5:32 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
> 
>> FSD = Field Strength Drone
>> 
>> We have had some fun discussions about this idea. I wish I could have 
>> visited the forum held recently, but I had to miss it. I understand someone 
>> had someone talked about a related topic, and I have looked at the article 
>> Jeff kindly sent me. I hope I did not miss anything else, but I have tried 
>> to read and follow up on all the comments. This educational jaunt has given 
>> me some help in better understanding field strength meters.
>> 
>> Antenna Orientation: I was especially struck by one very old and classic 
>> demo showing the response of a receiver in a non-aligned configuration with 
>> the antenna orientation. For example, a horizontal receiving antenna and a 
>> vertical transmitting antenna, or vice versa. This demo showed clearly that 
>> the antenna needs to be properly oriented, and that a 90 degree 
>> disorientation gave no response at all. So, an FSD would have to have 360 
>> response in order that the orientation does not introduce falsely attenuated 
>> response simply due to the antenna orientation. It might look something like 
>> a Van der Graff ball somehow; and possibly this is why it the dangling 
>> antenna looks like a ball in Jeff’s reference.
>> 
>> Antenna Length: Then, there is the question; how big does it need to be. 
>> Since a field strength indication is really a relative reading, this may not 
>> be an issue. It does introduce a complication in that the field strength 
>> meter would need to be tightly tuned to a testing frequency, even if the 
>> antenna is really inefficient. Without tuning, the field strength antenna 
>> will very strongly tend toward resonation on shorter wavelengths, and thus 
>> provide false readings.
>> 
>> In other words, the little wire coming off of the field strength meter we 
>> may have, but have never used, may qualitative only and not quantitative, 
>> since the reading will depend on the orientation and length of its antenna. 
>> An antenna for the Field Strength Drone would have additional requirements 
>> to satisfy the measurement requirements. It is not going to be a matter of 
>> just flying a field strength meter through the field.
>> 
>> Food for thought. Opinions?
>> 
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> 
>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 5:36 PM, Mark Brantana >> <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Thanks for all the great comments. The real question at this time is, does 
>>> anyone have an interest in working with me on this project? It is a purely 
>>> ham project and we get paid in bragging rights.
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 5:17 PM, Mark Brantana >>> <mailto:mark.brant...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Rick,
>>>> 
>>>> Agreed. And it is beginning to look like there is a need to build and test 
>>>> such a thing to really learn it’s value. For instance, I never knew how 
>>>> useful an my nanoVNA would be until I bought one. Sure, I could do an SWR 
>>>> study the old way, but the new widget enables me to do a lot more, faster 
>>>> and easier. 
>>>> 
>>>> I just threw this question out this morning for discussion, and got my 
>>>> money’s worth from everyone. It was academic at that time, but now I am 
>>>> wondering all the more why there isn’t some video on YouTube showing some 
>>>> ham who has built such a device. It seems like this is something wanting 
>>>> to be made, at least for ham use.
>>>> 
>>>> Mark
>>>> 
>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 2:59 PM, Gary Sitton via BVARC >>>> <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Rick:
>>>>> 
>>>>>I really agree especially since I've looked into the drone motor 
>>>>> controllers.
>>>>> They typically 

Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-22 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
ters provided, of course.   That 
>>>> model analysis provides us with a pattern and a fair amount of operational 
>>>> information.
>>>> 
>>>> But what do we (I) really want?  I want to know what and how my antenna is 
>>>> performing in the real world outside of my QTH.   Is it getting to Europe 
>>>> or VK?   When is the best time and frequency to get to Japan or South 
>>>> Africa?   Questions like this are not to be answered by a FSD.
>>>> 
>>>> What we really need is a world wide system to detect our signals wherever 
>>>> they may occur.  So let's start thinking of that.  We just need a few hams 
>>>> on every continent to participateWait!  Not so fast...there is 
>>>> already a system that does this.  WSPR   and it is available from a local 
>>>> amateur radio dealer -- SOTA Beams  
>>>> https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-classic 
>>>> <https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-classic>. QST Dec 2018 even has 
>>>> a review of this system. 
>>>> https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/content/QSTREVIEW.pdf 
>>>> <https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/content/QSTREVIEW.pdf> 
>>>> 
>>>> Now look, I am not poo pooing the FSD concept , ideas, discussion, etc.   
>>>> Very cool indeed to get a group of folks excited and discussing antenna 
>>>> stuff.   Woo Hoo!  I'm all for it, being the antenna phreak that I am.   
>>>> I'm just taking a step back and seeing if it is necessary, practical or 
>>>> even applicable for Hams.   Plus, maybe some don't know about WSPR.  
>>>> 
>>>> 73...Rick -- W5RH
>>>> 
>>>>
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=icon>
>>>>Virus-free. www.avast.com 
>>>> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=link>
>>>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:57 PM Jeffery MacMillian via BVARC 
>>>> mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>>>> Here is a good paper on this very topic.
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.narda-sts.com/en/selective-emf/srm-3006-field-strength-analyzer/eID/pd/pdce/9063/pdfr/9500/
>>>>  
>>>> <https://www.narda-sts.com/en/selective-emf/srm-3006-field-strength-analyzer/eID/pd/pdce/9063/pdfr/9500/>
>>>> 
>>>> have Fun,
>>>> Jeff
>>>> KC5TT
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:31 PM Tom Watson via BVARC >>> <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>>>> Brilliant!  
>>>> 
>>>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:22 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC >>> <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure 
>>>> others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or 
>>>> patenting such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new 
>>>> technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes 
>>>> about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>>> 
>>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has designed 
>>>> one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around an 
>>>> antenna to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio Shack 
>>>> FSM would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>>> 
>>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through 
>>>> the drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link 
>>>> the drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to 
>>>> wait at test locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would 
>>>> move to the next location. Finally, the software might be able to link 
>>>> with   existing simulation software for comparison with 
>>>> theory and allow for simulation model improvement. This looks like it 
>>>> would take a small team to develop.
>>>> 
>>>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like 
>>>> RFI evaluation.
>>>> 
>>>> What about it? Has anyone done this?
>>>> 
>>>> Mark
>>>> N5PRD
>>>> _

Re: [BVARC] Remote Antenna Switches??

2021-03-18 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Thank’s Karl,
I saw that one. I believe I would like four or five antenna ports, and I know 
MFJ has them, but they are pricey. I see others available which are cheaper, 
and wonder if these things really need to cost $239 for 5 ports. I see kits 
online for around $50. That’s about the right price range, but I wonder how 
good these are.
Mark
N5PRD

> On Mar 18, 2021, at 9:40 PM, Karl Bernard via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I bought one of these for my dad a few years ago. I think he's still using 
> it. It uses a DC voltage on the coax to actuate a relay. 
> 
> https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4712 
> <https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4712>
> 
> On Thu, Mar 18, 2021, 6:50 PM Mark Brantana via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
> Does anyone have experience with remote antenna switches? 
> 
> It would be practical to utilize an existing coax line for several antennas. 
> Two lines should be about as many as anyone should need to one location.
> I see that some operate using wifi, and others by bluetooth.
> I see that there are ban limitations for some of them.
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org>
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org 
> <http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org>
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> <https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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[BVARC] Remote Antenna Switches??

2021-03-18 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Does anyone have experience with remote antenna switches? 

It would be practical to utilize an existing coax line for several antennas. 
Two lines should be about as many as anyone should need to one location.
I see that some operate using wifi, and others by bluetooth.
I see that there are ban limitations for some of them.

Mark


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[BVARC] MARCH 18 THURSDAY NIGHT SIMPLEX NET - POSTPONED TO MARCH 25

2021-03-18 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Fellow Hams,

I have decided to postpone the next Thursday Night Net to March 25. Our meeting 
time conflicts on with the TX DX Society program indicated below, on Smith 
Charts, which I believe will be a terrific and very important program for hams 
to attend, and a program we wish to support. I know this Zoom program on the 
18th will be excellent.

For those studying for their Extra Class Licenses, Smith Charts appear in at 
least 11 possible questions, and are important to understand. Understanding 
Smith Charts is important to getting the most of a NanoVNA antenna analyzer, 
which are suddenly so popular. 

Join us again on March 25 for the Simplex Net at its regular time, 7 pm, when 
we will meet up on the 146.940 repeater, and proceed to a simplex frequency at 
that time. A website is currently under development, along with procedures and 
relay staff. Our group will tentatively be called the Greater Houston Simplex 
Net. The aim of the GHSN is to establish and practice procedures to maintain 
ham communications during the worst of general communication losses. Please 
join us on the 25th.

73
Mark
N5PRD
Primary Net Control
Greater Houston Simplex Net

> On Mar 15, 2021, at 2:27 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  > wrote:
> 
> 
> Subject: [BVARC] TDXS March Meeting Featuring "The Smith Chart: an Overview" 
> by Robie Elms AJ4F
> 
> THE TDXS MEETING AND PRESNTATION HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED.
> PRESENTATION ON THE SMITH CHART  and ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION LINE
> FUNCTIONALITY SHOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST TO ALL. W5RH
> 
> 
> Doug Seyler W9LCQ is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
> 
>  
> 
> Topic: Texas DX Society Monthly Meeting
> 
> Time: Mar 18, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
> 
> 
> 
> Robie Elms AJ4F will present his overview of the Smith Chart. This 
> presentation should be very enlightening to new owners of the nanoVNA who 
> wonder what that odd circular graph is all about. The Smith Chart is a 
> graphical tool that has been around since the 1930s and is a great way to 
> understand transmission lines and many other RF design issues.  Since the 
> real Smith Chart is actually a graph and we don't use those much anymore, he 
> will use an electronic version for the demonstrations called SimSmith by Ward 
> AE6TY.  This is a great tool.
> 
> ___
> 
> Join Zoom Meeting
> 
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83477642993?pwd=a0Nhak9MMStlaXZxTXg0VmhXWHBiUT09 
> 
>  
> 
> Meeting ID: 834 7764 2993
> 
> Passcode: 806565
> 
>  One tap mobile
> 
> +13462487799,,83477642993#*806565# US (Houston)
> 
> Dial by your location
> 
> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
> 
> -- 
> Rick Hiller  
> e-mail: rickhille...@gmail.com 
> Cell:832-474-3713
> Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive
>Houston, TX 77036
> 
>  
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com 
> 
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org 
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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[BVARC] MARCH 18 THURSDAY NIGHT SIMPLEX NET - POSTPONED TO MARCH 25

2021-03-17 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Fellow Hams,

I have decided to postpone the next Thursday Night Net to March 25. Our meeting 
time conflicts on with the TX DX Society program indicated below, on Smith 
Charts, which I believe will be a terrific and very important program for hams 
to attend, and a program we wish to support. I know this Zoom program on the 
18th will be excellent.

For those studying for their Extra Class Licenses, Smith Charts appear in at 
least 11 possible questions, and are important to understand. Understanding 
Smith Charts is important to getting the most of a NanoVNA antenna analyzer, 
which are suddenly so popular. 

Join us again on March 25 for the Simplex Net at its regular time, 7 pm, when 
we will meet up on the 146.940 repeater, and proceed to a simplex frequency at 
that time. A website is currently under development, along with procedures and 
relay staff. Our group will tentatively be called the Greater Houston Simplex 
Net. The aim of the GHSN is to establish and practice procedures to maintain 
ham communications during the worst of general communication losses. Please 
join us on the 25th.

73
Mark
N5PRD
Primary Net Control
Greater Houston Simplex Net

> On Mar 15, 2021, at 2:27 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Subject: [BVARC] TDXS March Meeting Featuring "The Smith Chart: an Overview" 
> by Robie Elms AJ4F
> 
> THE TDXS MEETING AND PRESNTATION HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED.
> PRESENTATION ON THE SMITH CHART  and ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION LINE
> FUNCTIONALITY SHOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST TO ALL. W5RH
> 
> 
> Doug Seyler W9LCQ is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
> 
>  
> 
> Topic: Texas DX Society Monthly Meeting
> 
> Time: Mar 18, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
> 
> 
> 
> Robie Elms AJ4F will present his overview of the Smith Chart. This 
> presentation should be very enlightening to new owners of the nanoVNA who 
> wonder what that odd circular graph is all about. The Smith Chart is a 
> graphical tool that has been around since the 1930s and is a great way to 
> understand transmission lines and many other RF design issues.  Since the 
> real Smith Chart is actually a graph and we don't use those much anymore, he 
> will use an electronic version for the demonstrations called SimSmith by Ward 
> AE6TY.  This is a great tool.
> 
> ___
> 
> Join Zoom Meeting
> 
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83477642993?pwd=a0Nhak9MMStlaXZxTXg0VmhXWHBiUT09 
> 
>  
> 
> Meeting ID: 834 7764 2993
> 
> Passcode: 806565
> 
>  One tap mobile
> 
> +13462487799,,83477642993#*806565# US (Houston)
> 
> Dial by your location
> 
> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
> 
> -- 
> Rick Hiller  
> e-mail: rickhille...@gmail.com 
> Cell:832-474-3713
> Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive
>Houston, TX 77036
> 
>  
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com 
> 
>  
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 


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Re: [BVARC] Ham Flea Markets Resume in Korea

2021-03-15 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Has anyone ever bought from them or is this an inside joke??
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 15, 2021, at 11:02 AM, Glenn Anderson via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> The “Seoul Junk” ham flea market has resumed in Korea.
>  
> Maybe there’s hope for us…
>  
> https://youtu.be/wAbvSh1F7Uc
>  
>  
> 73, Glenn WB5TUF
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?

2021-03-12 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Oops. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 12, 2021, at 2:02 PM, Steve Agee via BVARC  wrote:
> 
>  That long URL is found in Peter Lowe’s Ad and tracking server list, so 
> perhaps there is an alternative available without tracking?
> 
> N5ZUA
> 
> On 3/12/2021 1:57 PM, Mark Brantana via BVARC wrote:
>> I have not done it yet, but Dave Castler (YouTube) suggests Bridgecom. More 
>> expensive, but they provide an education component. 
>> Mark 
>> 
>> https://trk.klclick.com/ls/click?upn=mLAnbGkkfzTydqKMSGsF4ZAU-2BgIT-2BeSj3E1-2FZp4-2FTE6Z9RxBckqgMnAoYlM188-2FtZ2RZLgUDrPh7hufhQHGy9WaxzJu
>> -2Bzzk6WC9uXe-2FObbhOzVtIT35R0pVDF6Idwz9fL6YT2-2BSVLao-2Fag8Y-2FEFLcA3JhRsBAQb9F3TWzAIflCBEkK5aEKfrLtPv7Aik3v8sPWla_-2BiLJe61-2BylsmDm62OiV-2Bu5B9tJJeiSwkD0YOWvtkuqjRYO01SbPUNc4R3kQnGJ93usyY4dZbs3xoPoIoA5MyqRJa9y3fxNYNj5f4MNYERahakCWl7DBo7nALyJrq-2F5s4jWTOy65VTm-2FOqY3Eb1rVUyYS3stN9VvF-2B6pD75gEd4AUeJpzSglXoBd48C6tmxPy-2FxYyHxWrgRgLKtjg0LhYqP0qAp-2BQPsHD7FFrVSFJ7EIlFgl1dFhS-2B08dr1Y1mG0LoLPIGdNL6XSih2HkJCMrL1GlLbPOBsPEpqE6t1zj-2FhXWSkEyZqGLQKtFLEuyTprbG60tVs0wA11fZ1ytJDF-2BWwNjwfUt7vuaxHsddhrtjOcG6630qtX-2F1TU4VezTG-2FsxR-2B-2BOcm9V1ibw1O789X09uA-3D-3D
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Mar 12, 2021, at 12:27 PM, Brian Armagost via BVARC  
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I have a anytone 878 that I have not used in several months. This past week 
>>> I pulled it out with my Hotspot and I am not able to talk or hear anything. 
>>> I checked and it shows my Hotspot getting out. Does anyone have any ideas 
>>> what might be wrong
>>> From: BVARC  on behalf of kdutson via BVARC 
>>> 
>>> Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 12:11:21 PM
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>>> Cc: kdutson 
>>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
>>>  
>>> I have the same radio, also from BridgeCom.  Great radio, and it has a lot 
>>> of support here in the Houston area. 
>>> I also have several other DMR radios, but none as good as the Anytone.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note9, an AT 5G Evolution capable smartphone
>>> 
>>> 
>>>  Original message 
>>> From: Jeff Greer via BVARC 
>>> Date: 3/12/21 8:05 AM (GMT-06:00)
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>>> Cc: Jeff Greer , Karl Bernard 
>>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
>>> 
>>> I'm using the AnyTone D878UV Plus from BridgeCom Systems.  Works like a 
>>> champ.  It's almost (or completely?) identical to a BaofengTech radio, but 
>>> with different firmware.  I think both are updated pretty regularly.  
>>> 
>>> I believe John Miklor has reviews of several DMR HTs on his website at 
>>> https://www.miklor.com/.
>>> 
>>> Thanks!
>>> 
>>> -j
>>> 
>>> From: BVARC  on behalf of Karl Bernard via BVARC 
>>> 
>>> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 10:59 PM
>>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>>> Cc: Karl Bernard 
>>> Subject: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
>>>  
>>> I'm thinking of getting a DMR HT and am especially interested in the 
>>> Ailunce HD1, based on price and reviews.
>>> 
>>> What DMR radios are you using and what do you like or not like about them?
>>> 
>>> Thanks!
>>> 
>>> Karl
>>> W5KMB
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?

2021-03-12 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I have not done it yet, but Dave Castler (YouTube) suggests Bridgecom. More 
expensive, but they provide an education component. 
Mark 

https://trk.klclick.com/ls/click?upn=mLAnbGkkfzTydqKMSGsF4ZAU-2BgIT-2BeSj3E1-2FZp4-2FTE6Z9RxBckqgMnAoYlM188-2FtZ2RZLgUDrPh7hufhQHGy9WaxzJu
-2Bzzk6WC9uXe-2FObbhOzVtIT35R0pVDF6Idwz9fL6YT2-2BSVLao-2Fag8Y-2FEFLcA3JhRsBAQb9F3TWzAIflCBEkK5aEKfrLtPv7Aik3v8sPWla_-2BiLJe61-2BylsmDm62OiV-2Bu5B9tJJeiSwkD0YOWvtkuqjRYO01SbPUNc4R3kQnGJ93usyY4dZbs3xoPoIoA5MyqRJa9y3fxNYNj5f4MNYERahakCWl7DBo7nALyJrq-2F5s4jWTOy65VTm-2FOqY3Eb1rVUyYS3stN9VvF-2B6pD75gEd4AUeJpzSglXoBd48C6tmxPy-2FxYyHxWrgRgLKtjg0LhYqP0qAp-2BQPsHD7FFrVSFJ7EIlFgl1dFhS-2B08dr1Y1mG0LoLPIGdNL6XSih2HkJCMrL1GlLbPOBsPEpqE6t1zj-2FhXWSkEyZqGLQKtFLEuyTprbG60tVs0wA11fZ1ytJDF-2BWwNjwfUt7vuaxHsddhrtjOcG6630qtX-2F1TU4VezTG-2FsxR-2B-2BOcm9V1ibw1O789X09uA-3D-3D

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 12, 2021, at 12:27 PM, Brian Armagost via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> I have a anytone 878 that I have not used in several months. This past week I 
> pulled it out with my Hotspot and I am not able to talk or hear anything. I 
> checked and it shows my Hotspot getting out. Does anyone have any ideas what 
> might be wrong
> From: BVARC  on behalf of kdutson via BVARC 
> 
> Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 12:11:21 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: kdutson 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
>  
> I have the same radio, also from BridgeCom.  Great radio, and it has a lot of 
> support here in the Houston area. 
> I also have several other DMR radios, but none as good as the Anytone.
> 
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note9, an AT 5G Evolution capable smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Jeff Greer via BVARC 
> Date: 3/12/21 8:05 AM (GMT-06:00)
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Jeff Greer , Karl Bernard 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
> 
> I'm using the AnyTone D878UV Plus from BridgeCom Systems.  Works like a 
> champ.  It's almost (or completely?) identical to a BaofengTech radio, but 
> with different firmware.  I think both are updated pretty regularly.  
> 
> I believe John Miklor has reviews of several DMR HTs on his website at 
> https://www.miklor.com/.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> -j
> 
> From: BVARC  on behalf of Karl Bernard via BVARC 
> 
> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 10:59 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Karl Bernard 
> Subject: [BVARC] DMR Radios?
>  
> I'm thinking of getting a DMR HT and am especially interested in the Ailunce 
> HD1, based on price and reviews.
> 
> What DMR radios are you using and what do you like or not like about them?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Karl
> W5KMB
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] WTB iCom 7300

2021-03-11 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Mike,
Did you find your 7300? From what I read this radio is a real game changer in 
the industry.
Mark

> On Mar 1, 2021, at 11:00 AM, Michael Giannaccio via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> I'm in the market for an iCom 7300. I would like to buy from someone local 
> before I buy new online. If anyone knows of anyone selling let me know.
> 
> --
> 73,
> 
> Mike Giannaccio
> KI5LFZ
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
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Re: [BVARC] BVARC Meeting - John Stratton N5AUS

2021-03-11 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
MikeDo you recall when you received you your newsletter? Just checking on 
delivery. Mark 


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On Thursday, March 11, 2021, 5:31 AM, Mike Hardwick via BVARC  
wrote:

 Please resend meeting notice this morning. 
Mike

On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 08:47:03 AM CST, Jeff Greer via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
  BVARC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: John Stratton N5AUSTime: Mar 11, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and 
Canada)
Join Zoom 
Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88139070615?pwd=M1lCSjI2NTBnZVdnMHd6WnNXWm45QT09
Meeting ID: 881 3907 0615Passcode: 448313One tap 
mobile+13462487799,,88139070615# US (Houston)+12532158782,,88139070615# US 
(Tacoma)
Dial by your location        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)        +1 253 215 
8782 US (Tacoma)        +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)        +1 669 900 6833 US 
(San Jose)        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)        +1 312 626 6799 US 
(Chicago)        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)Meeting ID: 881 3907 0615Find 
your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdh4B1CMXe


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Re: [BVARC] FSD -- Ancillary Info -- A Brilliant Antenna Demo

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Thank you. A couple of years ago I taught engineering at a high school. My 
students found these tiny arduino boards around 1”x1”. The boards stack 
depending on what you need. You could get GPS, Bluetooth, accelerometer, or 
just about anything you might need. You program these I think with C. I think 
this may not be so difficult. Mark 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 7:37 PM, Keith Dutson via BVARC  
wrote:

 Excellent video.
There is a local ham who has done a similar presentation.  He did two 
presentations at NARS meetings several years ago.  He is George Carlson KC5RCC. 
 He built his own test set for the demonstration.  I wonder if he would be 
willing to give another presentation.
73, Keith NM5G
On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 01:59:30 PM CST, Rick Hiller via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
 Have a view of this video about antenna pattern measurements.  Although not 
directly related to the FSD, it might give some additional insight and ideas of 
how to implement a measurement system, as has been discussed.
ARRL had this as part of their video series about 30 years ago and it was a 
highlight for me when trying to understand antennas, etc.  I still have the 
original VHS tape I purchased from ARRL back then.   
If you have any interest at all in understanding antennas, etc.   then it will 
benefit you to watch this hour long video. 
"Everything you always wanted to know About Antennas (but were afraid to ask)" 
by Frank Rutter K3AW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEigIMS6bo4
Enjoy.Rick -- W5RH



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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Rick,

Agreed. And it is beginning to look like there is a need to build and test such 
a thing to really learn it’s value. For instance, I never knew how useful an my 
nanoVNA would be until I bought one. Sure, I could do an SWR study the old way, 
but the new widget enables me to do a lot more, faster and easier. 

I just threw this question out this morning for discussion, and got my money’s 
worth from everyone. It was academic at that time, but now I am wondering all 
the more why there isn’t some video on YouTube showing some ham who has built 
such a device. It seems like this is something wanting to be made, at least for 
ham use.

Mark

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 2:59 PM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
> 
> Rick:
> 
>I really agree especially since I've looked into the drone motor 
> controllers.
> They typically emit so much onboard and radiated hash that special by-pass
> precautions are taken with some of the onboard sensors, e.g. accelerometers
> for orientation sensing.  I disagree that modelling software is adequate for
> the typical antenna environment, e.g. antennas below a wavelength.  Also
> conformation of directional antenna's front-to-back and forward gain for
> optimization purposes would be nice if even perhaps extravagant.
> 
> 73, Gary K5AMH
> 
> PS: Most drone controllers use the STM ARM processors for which there
> is free open source drone software: https://betaflight.com/ 
> <https://betaflight.com/>
> 
> 
> On 3/10/2021 2:34 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC wrote:
>> Comment:  Is an FSD applicable?
>> 
>> Although an FSD would provide a close-in Far Field pattern of an antenna 
>> antenna installation, which is very cool indeed.  Is it really necessary in 
>> the world of Ham Radio?
>> 
>> We already have antenna modeling software based on the NEC which is quite 
>> accurate, depending on the set up parameters provided, of course.   That 
>> model analysis provides us with a pattern and a fair amount of operational 
>> information.
>> 
>> But what do we (I) really want?  I want to know what and how my antenna is 
>> performing in the real world outside of my QTH.   Is it getting to Europe or 
>> VK?   When is the best time and frequency to get to Japan or South Africa?   
>> Questions like this are not to be answered by a FSD.
>> 
>> What we really need is a world wide system to detect our signals wherever 
>> they may occur.  So let's start thinking of that.  We just need a few hams 
>> on every continent to participateWait!  Not so fast...there is 
>> already a system that does this.  WSPR   and it is available from a local 
>> amateur radio dealer -- SOTA Beams  
>> https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-classic 
>> <https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-classic>. QST Dec 2018 even has a 
>> review of this system. 
>> https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/content/QSTREVIEW.pdf 
>> <https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/content/QSTREVIEW.pdf> 
>> 
>> Now look, I am not poo pooing the FSD concept , ideas, discussion, etc.   
>> Very cool indeed to get a group of folks excited and discussing antenna 
>> stuff.   Woo Hoo!  I'm all for it, being the antenna phreak that I am.   I'm 
>> just taking a step back and seeing if it is necessary, practical or even 
>> applicable for Hams.   Plus, maybe some don't know about WSPR.  
>> 
>> 73...Rick -- W5RH
>> 
>>
>> 
>>  
>> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=icon>
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com 
>> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=link>
>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:57 PM Jeffery MacMillian via BVARC 
>> mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> Here is a good paper on this very topic.
>> 
>> https://www.narda-sts.com/en/selective-emf/srm-3006-field-strength-analyzer/eID/pd/pdce/9063/pdfr/9500/
>>  
>> <https://www.narda-sts.com/en/selective-emf/srm-3006-field-strength-analyzer/eID/pd/pdce/9063/pdfr/9500/>
>> 
>> have Fun,
>> Jeff
>> KC5TT
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:31 PM Tom Watson via BVARC > <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> Brilliant!  
>> 
>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:22 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC > <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure 
>> others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or patenting 
>> such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new techno

Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
I don’t know anything about WSPR. I need to study about it. 
I am a little bit inspired by discussions on this forum a few weeks ago. There 
seem to be a lot of unknowns making it harder for hams to get an accurate 
pattern. We are seldom able to get the antenna as high as we should, or where. 
Plus, we bend them in knarly ways. How good are these simulations given these 
challenges?Mark 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 2:34 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  
wrote:

Comment:  Is an FSD applicable?
Although an FSD would provide a close-in Far Field pattern of an antenna 
antenna installation, which is very cool indeed.  Is it really necessary in the 
world of Ham Radio?
We already have antenna modeling software based on the NEC which is quite 
accurate, depending on the set up parameters provided, of course.   That model 
analysis provides us with a pattern and a fair amount of operational 
information.
But what do we (I) really want?  I want to know what and how my antenna is 
performing in the real world outside of my QTH.   Is it getting to Europe or 
VK?   When is the best time and frequency to get to Japan or South Africa?   
Questions like this are not to be answered by a FSD.
What we really need is a world wide system to detect our signals wherever they 
may occur.  So let's start thinking of that.  We just need a few hams on every 
continent to participateWait!  Not so fast...there is already a 
system that does this.  WSPR   and it is available from a local amateur radio 
dealer -- SOTA Beams  https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-classic.     QST Dec 
2018 even has a review of this system. 
https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/content/QSTREVIEW.pdf 
Now look, I am not poo pooing the FSD concept , ideas, discussion, etc.   Very 
cool indeed to get a group of folks excited and discussing antenna stuff.   Woo 
Hoo!  I'm all for it, being the antenna phreak that I am.   I'm just taking a 
step back and seeing if it is necessary, practical or even applicable for Hams. 
  Plus, maybe some don't know about WSPR.  
73...Rick -- W5RH
   

|  | Virus-free. www.avast.com  |


On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:57 PM Jeffery MacMillian via BVARC  
wrote:

Here is a good paper on this very topic.
https://www.narda-sts.com/en/selective-emf/srm-3006-field-strength-analyzer/eID/pd/pdce/9063/pdfr/9500/

have Fun,JeffKC5TT



On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 1:31 PM Tom Watson via BVARC  wrote:

Brilliant!  
On Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:22 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:

OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure others 
have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or patenting such a 
thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new technologies, and this 
is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes about this or any other 
reference, so here’s the idea:

With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has designed one 
which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around an antenna to 
evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio Shack FSM would have 
weighed way less than an ounce.

Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through the 
drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link the drone 
3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to wait at test 
locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would move to the next 
location. Finally, the software might be able to link with existing simulation 
software for comparison with theory and allow for simulation model improvement. 
This looks like it would take a small team to develop.

This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like RFI 
evaluation.

What about it? Has anyone done this?

Mark
N5PRD

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-- 
Rick Hiller  e-mail:     rickhiller73@gmail.comCell:        
832-474-3713Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive               Houston, TX 
77036
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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Ok. I’ll have to watch for the motor details. Mark 
N5PRD 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 12:51 PM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  
wrote:

The more advanced 3 phase PM motor controllers are virtually noiseless and 
generate amplitude controlled smooth sine waves and not pulses.Gary

On March 10, 2021 12:43:40 PM Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:

Excellent idea to have some distance between the antenna and the noisy 
drone.Gary

On March 10, 2021 10:55:34 AM Rick Hiller  wrote:

Hang the FS pod below the drone by 10 feet or more.   By Experimental 
determination.   Get it away from the noise’s near field.RH
Sent from my i-Thingamajig

On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:35 AM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
What do you feel their price range is?Mark N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:06 AM, Rick Hiller  wrote:
field strength measurements using drones



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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
 Totally agree. Not sure what I am these days, but since I saw the handwriting 
on the wall for my O process engineer career, I have been transitioning to 
DA. Anyways, I agree. This may be a cool open source project for GitHub.So, 
before developing the software, develop the data stream. Right on. Mark N5PRD 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 11:47 AM, John Brockus via BVARC 
 wrote:

Speaking as a data professional, I think we need to spend some time designing 
the results dataset.Plotting it can come later, and there appear to be several 
free 3d plotting programs out there.
At first pass, it looks like the raw data collected will be 4 
columns:LatitudeLongitudeAltitudeMeter reading
Transforming that into a 3d plot is going to be a challenge.But some 2d plots 
could be interesting if the data supports it.
If you ever build this thing, let me know and I'll see what I can do to help.
John KC9JLE
On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 11:16 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
wrote:

Ok. There’s our software lead candidate. I think I will do some up front 
research on prior arts, available drones, and field strength meters. Thanks for 
the discussion. I’ll report back on what I find. Mark N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2021, at 11:02 AM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:



I think the drone / FS pod is the easy part.  Collecting and correlating the 
point cloud in 3D then developing a solid model is more complex unless someone 
has and is expert in Auto CAD 3D or similar as s start.Eric kF5HDR comes to 
mind.

RH

Sent from my i-Thingamajig
On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:57 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:


Agreed. That appears to be part of the approach in the commercial version, 
which looks to extend about 18” down. 
Mark 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:52 AM, Nizar Mullani  wrote:



The easiest, and cheapest solution is to hang a self contained FSM a few feet 
down the Drone.to get away from the PWM noise. Otherwise, you will have to 
filter the noise in the FSM.
On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM Mark Brantana  wrote:

Ok. So researching the available drones and addressing noise is job one. No 
doubt the smaller the drone, the noisier. Likewise, the cheaper ones will 
probably have more noise. I was hoping since everything is DC, noise might not 
be an issue. But clearly it is a key consideration. Thanks Nizar. Are there 
fixes?

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Gary Sitton  wrote:



Nizar is right, those drone motors are 3 phase permanent magnet, brushless DC 
motors with PWM controllers which are very noisy. This would require 
sophisticated noise canceling software as well as hardware mitigation. Gary


On March 10, 2021 9:21:33 AM Nizar Mullani  wrote:

Make sure the Drone electronics is quiet enough to not interfere with the Field 
Strength Measurements. Nizar K0NM

On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:



Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, an 
amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:



Super great idea!Gary, K5AMH 

On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  wrote:

OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure others 
have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or patenting such a 
thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new technologies, and this 
is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes about this or any other 
reference, so here’s the idea:
With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has designed one 
which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around an antenna to 
evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio Shack FSM would have 
weighed way less than an ounce.
Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through the 
drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link the drone 
3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to wait at test 
locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would move to the next 
location. Finally, the software might be able to link with existing simulation 
software for comparison with theory and allow for simulation model improvement. 
This looks like it would take a small team to develop.
This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like RFI 
evaluation.
What about it? Has anyone done this?
MarkN5PRDBrazos Valley Amateur 
Radio Club
BVARC mailing 
listBVARC@bvarc.orghttp://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.orgPublicly
 available archives are available here: 
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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Ok. There’s our software lead candidate. I think I will do some up front 
research on prior arts, available drones, and field strength meters. Thanks for 
the discussion. I’ll report back on what I find. 
Mark 
N5PRD 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 11:02 AM, Rick Hiller via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I think the drone / FS pod is the easy part.  Collecting and correlating the 
> point cloud in 3D then developing a solid model is more complex unless 
> someone has and is expert in Auto CAD 3D or similar as s start.
> Eric kF5HDR comes to mind.
> 
> RH
> 
> Sent from my i-Thingamajig
> 
>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:57 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Agreed. That appears to be part of the approach in the commercial version, 
>> which looks to extend about 18” down. 
>> 
>> Mark 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:52 AM, Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> The easiest, and cheapest solution is to hang a self contained FSM a few 
>>> feet down the Drone.to get away from the PWM noise. Otherwise, you will 
>>> have to filter the noise in the FSM.
>>> 
>>>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM Mark Brantana  wrote:
>>>> Ok. So researching the available drones and addressing noise is job one. 
>>>> No doubt the smaller the drone, the noisier. Likewise, the cheaper ones 
>>>> will probably have more noise. I was hoping since everything is DC, noise 
>>>> might not be an issue. But clearly it is a key consideration. Thanks 
>>>> Nizar. Are there fixes?
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Gary Sitton  wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nizar is right, those drone motors are 3 phase permanent magnet, 
>>>>> brushless DC motors with PWM controllers which are very noisy. This would 
>>>>> require sophisticated noise canceling software as well as hardware 
>>>>> mitigation. 
>>>>> Gary
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On March 10, 2021 9:21:33 AM Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Make sure the Drone electronics is quiet enough to not interfere with 
>>>>>> the Field Strength Measurements. 
>>>>>> Nizar K0NM
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than 
>>>>>>> $100, an amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
>>>>>>> https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  
>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Super great idea!
>>>>>>>> Gary, K5AMH 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>>>>>>>>  wrote:
>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am 
>>>>>>>>> sure others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing 
>>>>>>>>> or patenting such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging 
>>>>>>>>> of new technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any 
>>>>>>>>> YouTubes about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has 
>>>>>>>>> designed one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid 
>>>>>>>>> around an antenna to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my 
>>>>>>>>> little Radio Shack FSM would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base 
>>

Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
This might also stabilize the drone with a lower center of gravity. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:57 AM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> Agreed. That appears to be part of the approach in the commercial version, 
> which looks to extend about 18” down. 
> 
> Mark 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:52 AM, Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> The easiest, and cheapest solution is to hang a self contained FSM a few 
>> feet down the Drone.to get away from the PWM noise. Otherwise, you will have 
>> to filter the noise in the FSM.
>> 
>>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM Mark Brantana  wrote:
>>> Ok. So researching the available drones and addressing noise is job one. No 
>>> doubt the smaller the drone, the noisier. Likewise, the cheaper ones will 
>>> probably have more noise. I was hoping since everything is DC, noise might 
>>> not be an issue. But clearly it is a key consideration. Thanks Nizar. Are 
>>> there fixes?
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Gary Sitton  wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Nizar is right, those drone motors are 3 phase permanent magnet, brushless 
>>>> DC motors with PWM controllers which are very noisy. This would require 
>>>> sophisticated noise canceling software as well as hardware mitigation. 
>>>> Gary
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On March 10, 2021 9:21:33 AM Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Make sure the Drone electronics is quiet enough to not interfere with the 
>>>>> Field Strength Measurements. 
>>>>> Nizar K0NM
>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, 
>>>>>> an amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
>>>>>> https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  
>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Super great idea!
>>>>>>> Gary, K5AMH 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC 
>>>>>>>>  wrote:
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am 
>>>>>>>> sure others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or 
>>>>>>>> patenting such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of 
>>>>>>>> new technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any 
>>>>>>>> YouTubes about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has 
>>>>>>>> designed one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid 
>>>>>>>> around an antenna to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my 
>>>>>>>> little Radio Shack FSM would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base 
>>>>>>>> through the drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base 
>>>>>>>> could link the drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone 
>>>>>>>> would have to wait at test locations for the operator to transmit, and 
>>>>>>>> ideally would move to the next location. Finally, the software might 
>>>>>>>> be able to link with existing simulation software for comparison with 
>>>>>>>> theory and allow for simulation model improvement. This looks like it 
>>>>>>>> would take a small team to develop.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, 
>>>>>>>> like RFI e

Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Agreed. That appears to be part of the approach in the commercial version, 
which looks to extend about 18” down. 

Mark 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:52 AM, Nizar Mullani  wrote:
> 
> 
> The easiest, and cheapest solution is to hang a self contained FSM a few feet 
> down the Drone.to get away from the PWM noise. Otherwise, you will have to 
> filter the noise in the FSM.
> 
>> On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM Mark Brantana  wrote:
>> Ok. So researching the available drones and addressing noise is job one. No 
>> doubt the smaller the drone, the noisier. Likewise, the cheaper ones will 
>> probably have more noise. I was hoping since everything is DC, noise might 
>> not be an issue. But clearly it is a key consideration. Thanks Nizar. Are 
>> there fixes?
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Gary Sitton  wrote:
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> Nizar is right, those drone motors are 3 phase permanent magnet, brushless 
>>> DC motors with PWM controllers which are very noisy. This would require 
>>> sophisticated noise canceling software as well as hardware mitigation. 
>>> Gary
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On March 10, 2021 9:21:33 AM Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Make sure the Drone electronics is quiet enough to not interfere with the 
>>>> Field Strength Measurements. 
>>>> Nizar K0NM
>>>> 
>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>> Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, 
>>>>> an amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
>>>>> https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Super great idea!
>>>>>> Gary, K5AMH 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am 
>>>>>>> sure others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or 
>>>>>>> patenting such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of 
>>>>>>> new technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any 
>>>>>>> YouTubes about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has 
>>>>>>> designed one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid 
>>>>>>> around an antenna to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my 
>>>>>>> little Radio Shack FSM would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through 
>>>>>>> the drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link 
>>>>>>> the drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to 
>>>>>>> wait at test locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would 
>>>>>>> move to the next location. Finally, the software might be able to link 
>>>>>>> with existing simulation software for comparison with theory and allow 
>>>>>>> for simulation model improvement. This looks like it would take a small 
>>>>>>> team to develop.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, 
>>>>>>> like RFI evaluation.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> What about it? Has anyone done this?
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Mark
>>>>>>> N5PRD
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> BVARC mailing list
>>>>>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>>>&

Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
What do you feel their price range is?
Mark 
N5PRD 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 10:06 AM, Rick Hiller  wrote:
> 
> field strength measurements using drones


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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Ok. So researching the available drones and addressing noise is job one. No 
doubt the smaller the drone, the noisier. Likewise, the cheaper ones will 
probably have more noise. I was hoping since everything is DC, noise might not 
be an issue. But clearly it is a key consideration. Thanks Nizar. Are there 
fixes?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:53 AM, Gary Sitton  wrote:
> 
> 
> Nizar is right, those drone motors are 3 phase permanent magnet, brushless DC 
> motors with PWM controllers which are very noisy. This would require 
> sophisticated noise canceling software as well as hardware mitigation. 
> Gary
> 
> 
>> On March 10, 2021 9:21:33 AM Nizar Mullani  wrote:
>> 
>> Make sure the Drone electronics is quiet enough to not interfere with the 
>> Field Strength Measurements. 
>> Nizar K0NM
>> 
>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>> Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, an 
>>> amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
>>> https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Super great idea!
>>>> Gary, K5AMH 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure 
>>>>> others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or 
>>>>> patenting such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new 
>>>>> technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes 
>>>>> about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>>>> 
>>>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has 
>>>>> designed one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around 
>>>>> an antenna to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio 
>>>>> Shack FSM would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through 
>>>>> the drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link 
>>>>> the drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to 
>>>>> wait at test locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would 
>>>>> move to the next location. Finally, the software might be able to link 
>>>>> with existing simulation software for comparison with theory and allow 
>>>>> for simulation model improvement. This looks like it would take a small 
>>>>> team to develop.
>>>>> 
>>>>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like 
>>>>> RFI evaluation.
>>>>> 
>>>>> What about it? Has anyone done this?
>>>>> 
>>>>> Mark
>>>>> N5PRD
>>>>> 
>>>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>>> 
>>>>> BVARC mailing list
>>>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>> 
>>>> BVARC mailing list
>>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 
> 
> 

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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
We have the skills.  
Who could build it?
Who could design it?
Who could program the software?


Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:13 AM, Mark Brantana  wrote:
> 
> Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, an 
> amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
> https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Super great idea!
>> Gary, K5AMH 
>> 
>> 
>>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure 
>>> others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or patenting 
>>> such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new 
>>> technologies, and this is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes 
>>> about this or any other reference, so here’s the idea:
>>> 
>>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has designed 
>>> one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around an antenna 
>>> to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio Shack FSM 
>>> would have weighed way less than an ounce.
>>> 
>>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through the 
>>> drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link the 
>>> drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to wait at 
>>> test locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would move to the 
>>> next location. Finally, the software might be able to link with existing 
>>> simulation software for comparison with theory and allow for simulation 
>>> model improvement. This looks like it would take a small team to develop.
>>> 
>>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like 
>>> RFI evaluation.
>>> 
>>> What about it? Has anyone done this?
>>> 
>>> Mark
>>> N5PRD
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>> 
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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Re: [BVARC] Building an FSD

2021-03-10 Thread Mark Brantana via BVARC
Considering you can buy a small drone with a camera for less than $100, an 
amateur FSD could cost less than $200. 
https://bunnytags.com/products/mini-hd-camera-drone-pocket-quadcopter-remote-controlled-for-kids?utm_medium=cpc_source=google_campaign=Google%20Shopping=USD=EAIaIQobChMIoamGyYCm7wIVUb7ACh1nAA5OEAQYCyABEgIkAvD_BwE

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Gary Sitton via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> 
> Super great idea!
> Gary, K5AMH 
> 
> 
>> On March 10, 2021 12:22:18 AM Mark Brantana via BVARC  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> OK, what is an FSD? It is a Field Strength Drone. It’s an idea I am sure 
>> others have had, and I don’t expect to get around to designing or patenting 
>> such a thing. But inventions are often just the merging of new technologies, 
>> and this is not much different. I don’t see any YouTubes about this or any 
>> other reference, so here’s the idea:
>> 
>> With all the capabilities of little drones I wonder if anyone has designed 
>> one which can carry a field strength meter and fly a grid around an antenna 
>> to evaluate antenna performance. The guts of my little Radio Shack FSM would 
>> have weighed way less than an ounce.
>> 
>> Ideally, the field strength meter could communicate to the base through the 
>> drone transmitter, reducing weight. Software at the base could link the 
>> drone 3D location data with the FS reading. The drone would have to wait at 
>> test locations for the operator to transmit, and ideally would move to the 
>> next location. Finally, the software might be able to link with existing 
>> simulation software for comparison with theory and allow for simulation 
>> model improvement. This looks like it would take a small team to develop.
>> 
>> This sounds like it would have many uses besides antenna evaluation, like 
>> RFI evaluation.
>> 
>> What about it? Has anyone done this?
>> 
>> Mark
>> N5PRD
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>> 
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here: 
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
> 
> 
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
> 
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here: 
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ 

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