World Amateur Radio Day 2021

Hello, World! Happy World Amateur Radio Day 2021. It's a bright and sunny day here in Michigan. At this very moment, I'm listening to radio from all around the world. 

On my right is a Yaesu FT-991A. This radio is capable of working all amateur radio bands from 160 meters (1.8MHz) to 70 cm (440MHz). I started the day spinning the dial and poking around the ham bands before suddenly feeling the Shortwave Listening (SWL) bug tugging at my arm. Simultaneously working the VFO knob on the radio and the big capacitor on my indoor magnetic loop antenna (CHA F-Loop 2.0), I pulled in a variety of stations and finally settled on some Radio Marti. Even though I do not speak the tiniest bit of Spanish, it was interesting to hear the energy in the speaker's voice and I did notice a couple of references to John F Kennedy. I can only imagine what was being said. It would be interesting to have someone translate what I was hearing. 

In any case, I decided to write something about a new ham radio rabbit hole that opened beneath my feet and has taken me for a ride. That rabbit hole is shaped like the internet and has Yaesu Fusion/WiresX, D-Star, and DMR written all over it.

In honor of World Amateur Radio Day, I decided to complete a project that had been on the back burner for a little while. Not long ago, I decided to try out one of those infamous digital voice "hot spot" devices. Being the owner of both the Yaesu FT-991A base station and the Yaesu FT-3DR handheld radios, the new digital modes have been accessible to me for quite some time. Admittedly, my initial thought was that these modes would not interest me. However, I almost immediately discovered that there is much fun to be had if you decide to connect a Yaesu Fusion/WiresX (C4FM) capable radio to a Pi-Star device and begin chatting with people around the world.

Connecting to the FCS00290 - America-Link-WiresX reflector brought to me the voices of people right here in Michigan talking with hams in Turkey, Japan, and Australia. I almost couldn't believe it. While it's definitely not the same magical experience as chatting with folks around the world using nothing but 100 watts and a wire in the air, these digital voice modes that connect people all over the world via the internet certainly do have a magic of their own. In my opinion, it's all good and it's good for us all. 

If you are wondering what the the fuss is about, maybe give it a try or find someone local that can give you a hands-on overview. You might just find another avenue through which to enjoy this wonderful hobby.

Have you tried any of these new digital voice modes? If so, which ones? Please comment below. Also, if you believe that these "internet" modes are "not ham radio" please take this opportunity to present your side of the story and comment below.

Ultimately, Amateur Radio is a science hobby. So, go ahead and science the heck out of it!

Have a good one and 73,
Don KC7ZXY

KC7ZXY on QRZ.com - https://www.qrz.com/db/KC7ZXY

 

KC7ZXY Activity in 2017 - WARNING: Low Radiation Level Detected

A thought that often comes to mind, "What have I done for Amateur Radio lately?"

Unfortunately, for 2017, I have not done enough. Responsibilities and obligations related to job and family took higher priority during a rather busy year. This is not to be regretted, however, as it corresponds with the Amateur's Code as written in 1928 by Paul M Segal (W9EEA).

BALANCED: Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

Although I am not pleased to say that my activity level was very low this past year, I will not lament on the topic any further. The future is before me and the possibilities are endless.

The main accomplishment of 2017 was that I renewed my General Class License. This was an easy process which did not cost a thing. If you are nearing the end of your license period, please refer to the following directions and web links. Keep your license up-to-date and keep active!

To renew, go to the ULS Home, select Online Filing, and follow the instructions below. Login to the ULS License Manager with your FCC Registration Number (FRN). From your License At A Glance page, choose the Renew link in the right hand menu called Work on this License.

FCC License Renewal Web Link 

Today, I also renewed my membership in the ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio (also known as the American Radio Relay League). If you are an Amateur Radio Operator and are not yet a member of the ARRL, I highly recommend becoming a member. There are many benefits to membership and, at the very least, join to get the monthly QST publication. It has tons of Amateur Radio news, opinions, and product reviews as well as contest and event information. For me, it is the "go to" source of Ham Radio happenings!

For the coming year, there are at least a few Ham Radio goals in my mind. Near the end of 2017, I traded in my vehicle and have not yet moved the mobile rig to the new vehicle. This transportation upgrade presents some new challenges and I look forward to working out a solution. Adding to the "get-on-the-air" difficulties, the base station in my home--which has been disconnected for far too long--will need a refresh and reconnect. I have a big, new, outdoor antenna to install but the extreme cold in Michigan this winter is making it "easy" to hang out indoors.

...hmmm, "if only" I had refreshed the base station before the weather turned so bitterly cold. :-)

In the meantime, my trusty old Kenwood dual-band handheld is warming up on the charger.

While sitting here at the computer, suddenly I'm thinking it's time to make a move toward trying out one of the Internet-friendly digital options that are available these days such as the very popular Echolink! ...time to take a look at that

Thanks for tuning in and keep coming back!

73,
KC7ZXY
Donald Watkins

► Twitter: @KC7ZXY
► Google+: +KC7ZXY 
► YouTube: KC7ZXY Tube

Milestone: KC7ZXY Has a Video with Over One Thousand Views!

- Video Link -

It has come to my attention that the "RTL-SDR 'Ham It Up' Upconverter" video has just passed over one thousand views!

I wanted to take a moment and reflect upon what might be considered to be a milestone achievement for the KC7ZXY YouTube channel and to say that I am truly grateful.

Passing the one thousand views mark is truly amazing to me. When I first posted these videos, it was all kind of an experiment...just to see if I could make a useful video and share it on YouTube. My belief was that these videos would be of interest to perhaps two or three people. I had no idea that so many people were looking for information on these topics! I enjoy sharing my ham radio experiences and all of the lessons learned. I am very grateful that there is an audience out there for this sort of information. Perhaps I should have known since I, myself, am an eager consumer of such material.

This is all so very encouraging and exciting. Thank you for being such a great community!

Below is a link to the Video that has reached this amazing milestone...

- Click Here for Video -

Connecting with so many people and making new friends via the blog and YouTube has been a rich and rewarding experience. It has enhanced the enjoyment of Amateur Radio as a hobby for me. Ham Radio is all about communications and I admittedly should have known that the "Internet vector" would open the door to new and exciting modes of communication. I am so glad that I went ahead and tried something new.

Here is a link to the original blog post that went along with the video (for the nostalgia of it)...
► RTL-SDR "Ham it Up" Upconverter Unboxing and Case Assembly

Let this particular blog post be a big "Thank You" to all of the KC7ZXY YouTube channel viewers and blog readers. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your support. More videos are in the works and will be on the way very soon. Comment below if you have any suggestions for future videos or blog posts.

Thanks for tuning in and keep coming back!

73,
KC7ZXY
Donald Watkins

► Twitter: @KC7ZXY
► Google+: +KC7ZXY 
► YouTube: KC7ZXY Tube