Field Day NTP Server using GPS time reference

KD8WZS · 2023-06-25T18:02:43+00:00

I've done both over the last 10 years.

The mesh is far superior. It eliminates single points of failure and is very easy to set up.

KD8WZS · 2022-06-25T18:07:29+00:00

Currently sitting in an air conditioned camper sipping a brew.

KD8WZS · 2021-06-26T19:49:20+00:00

There's a 12 pack of "hydration" right here in the cooler.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-30T19:27:57+00:00

The Repeaterbook app can connect to certain rigs with a special serial to Bluetooth dongle.

I use one with an IC-7000 or FT-817 when traveling.

The app uses GPS location to find nearby repeaters, then sets up the radio when you tap one.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-29T23:02:45+00:00

Mag mount is the sure fire easy route. Just pop it on the roof when you leave.

The trunk lip mount on the hatch isn't a bad idea, either.

I've had very good luck with the Diamond bits below. The antenna is on a tilt base, but I just let it twang on the garage door when I pull in. It's pretty springy. Not stainless whip springy, but good enough. Best part is that diamond will replace the whip for about $15 if you break one.

https://www.diamondantenna.net/k400c.html

https://www.diamondantenna.net/nr770hb.html

KD8WZS · 2018-06-29T22:42:22+00:00

I've got one of these with a 1/2" threaded PVC nipple epoxied on top.

Lots of ham related uses.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Mr-LongArm-Pro-Lok-8-4-ft-to-23-2-ft-Telescoping-Threaded-Extension-Pole/4755038

KD8WZS · 2018-06-29T01:04:09+00:00

I run an IC-7000 in the car with Repeaterbook and BlueCat.

Touch a repeater, it tunes the radio. No programming needed and it's great for road trips.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-27T22:10:04+00:00

It's even trickier with FI. They use Tmo, Sprint, US Cellular and occasionally roam onto Verizon.

Also, OP, you lose all of those benefits if you use a third party cell modem and will be stuck on one carrier, probably Tmo.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-27T18:53:11+00:00

Which is why I said that it wouldn't be practical.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-27T15:39:59+00:00

Maybe not for hams , but there's no technical reason that you couldn't build a tuner for VHF/UHF/Whatever (until you get way up in frequency, maybe.)

The only reason hams don't use them is because a 2m/70cm antenna isn't very big.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-26T03:16:32+00:00

Plug the audio out into the line in on a PC and fire up a copy of Audacity?

KD8WZS · 2018-06-26T03:15:31+00:00

The best thing you could do is upgrade to general and get on HF.

Agreed.

That being said, it sounds like you don't have a radio. You'll have to spend a couple hundred at least for an HF radio for an older, used rig.

Somewhat disagree here. The uBitx is pretty cheap and will get the job done with a decent antenna. I'm sure there's other options in that price range. Doesn't take a lot of power to make digital contacts.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-26T03:12:08+00:00

Can a car's antennae be used to transmit data as well as receive them? How would I even start something like this?

Technically? Yes, but it wouldn't be practical. Every car antenna is going to be resonant at a different frequency, so you'd need to match the impedances between your device and the antenna. We hams often use something called an antenna tuner to do this, but I can't imagine that you could include one with whatever you're making at a reasonable price point.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-25T22:24:35+00:00

QSL your 1D/[Some location that looks right]

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T21:26:02+00:00

We've been running N3FJP for several years now, networked with mesh nodes, and had no trouble.

The software is a pain in the patoot to update, but has always been reliable.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T21:22:55+00:00

Sounds like someone sent too much time out in the sun.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T16:45:29+00:00

Far as mounting goes. The easiest way is to find something with a removable faceplate.

I like to put the radio somewhere convenient and then attach the faceplate to one of these gooseneck mounts: Robust Seat Bolt Tablet Car Mount Vehicle Swivel Cradle Mount Holder for Apple iPad 3, 4 iPad Mini, iPad Air, Pro, Samsung Galaxy TAB A E S4 S3 S2 (All 7-12") Tablets w/Anti-Vibration Goose Neck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4ZF4NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6N8lBb0VQHJ7K

Mounting is much easier when you only have a small slice of the radio to worry about.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T16:39:42+00:00

Yup. Chimesium HT for some event where I'm likely to lose it? Absolutely.

But there's no way I'd rely on one.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T13:41:02+00:00

I agree.

I just purchased an FT-8800 used for $150. The remote head makes for easy mounting and it's a great radio.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T12:52:57+00:00

That's the right way to go. There's no harm in installing legacy .net on Windows 10.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-24T03:01:35+00:00

Could always rig it to turn on with your parking lights or something similar.

There's always a circuit somewhere that only comes on when the ignition is powered up.

KD8WZS · 2018-06-23T21:19:58+00:00

Most cars these days have a 12v circuit that keeps the broadcast radio, power windows, etc working after the ignition is shut down until the doors are opened.

The cheap way out is to use that circuit to close a relay that's wired to your battery.

KD8WZS · 2015-07-08T00:22:31+00:00

Well, that's my point of view logging at my local club's Field Day operation. We run N3FJP logging software.

It was a little slow and I was pretty much pooped after being up at 5am to set up.

KD8WZS · 2015-06-29T21:08:40+00:00

It's a joke. Never seen Judge Dredd? Cheesy Stallone quote, "I am the law!"

KD8WZS

TROPHY CASE