Friday, April 24, 2009

Tech Net Notes April 24, 2009


We opened up the net at around 9:00 p.m. and were immediately plagued with problems, kf5rd, Pete, had trouble linking things up through his HT and had to tap ae5ft, Gene, for some help. Then as we began talking and asking for check-ins, the QRM went crazy. It sounded to me, at first, like the squelch tail was incredibly long on the VHF machine and that someone was trying to get into a linked UHF machine and wasn't making it. So it would take several seconds (maybe 10-20, it seemed) for things to settle down.

But we pushed on.

The topic was logging software. I had posted several logging programs on this blog with their web address and cost just a few days ago. (It is two down from this one.) So most of the programs that came up were mentioned on the blog already. That being said, the big question was, "What experience have you had?" My experience was limited, but there were several folks who had good info to share.

It went like this:

kc5eqj, Scott, mentioned that the University station in Fayetteville uses N3FJP logging software. He had used it but was interested in hearing about any software that might be better suited for personal use. ke5lnn, Dave, said that he had recently been looking at G8PUT, which was recently reviewed in QST. ae5ft, Gene, added that the N3FJP software is excellent logging software, especially for contesting, and the cost is reasonable $50 for all the options. He agreed with ke5lnn, Dave, that G8PUT looks like it has some great features. He added that XMLOG is free, and the one he uses, MicroLog is only $10 and includes an up-to-date logbook.

ke5lnn, Dave, added that he just downloaded G8PUT, and has started using it. He said that he's been contacted by the company that an update is already in the works. One feature he likes is that you can push a button and see if you've ever made contact with the folks you just logged in.

ke5zcz, Mike, liked the sound of the G8PUT mentioned in QST, but thought he might need something simpler to start out with.

ae5ft, Gene, further mentioned that if simple is what you want, try eQSL. It is an on-line logging system and offers a whole set of electronic awards. It allows you to make and send electronic QSL cards as well. But if you want a program that you download into your machine and can use, independent of the internet, MicroLog is simple and has the added feature of the callbook data.

wa5vxi, Manuel, mentioned just using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. He also said he was aware of Ham Radio Deluse having a logging function along with it's radio control software package.

kc5zqm,Doug, said that he didn't have a lot of logging experience, but when he did log, he used a form that he designed with AutoCad. He also suggested a future Tech Net Topic of "Mobile Installations and Operations". (Note from moderator: That sounds like a great topic to me!)

ae5ln, Paul, had a question, "How does logging software track a frequency?" ae5ft, Gene, clarified with an explanation that new radios sometimes have a feature that allows a plug in the back of the radio to cable up to a plug to your computer, with the radio supplying the usable data to the computer. Older radios often lack that feature.

kc5ert, Jeff, mention that he bought a copy of MicroLog at Green County Hamfest this year and is looking forward to trying it out on Field Day. He likes it because it works, "stand alone" without the need to be hooked up to the internet. He said he had heard that if you have an old copy of MicroLog, you can download the current call book information. ae5ft, Gene, mentioned that Jerry (the owner of the software company) mentioned that he does not have that available for downloading and that you must buy a new CD to get the callbook (only $10 at hamfest, $12 over the net).

End of Tech Net

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tulsa Amateur Radio Club Meeting - k3lr


Last Tuesday TARC's program was a visit from Tim Duffy, k3lr. Being a relatively newly licensed ham (almost 2 years now), this was one of the most interesting programs that I've seen. Tim brought a powerpoint/video presentation that showed and explained his involvement with Amateur Radio, and in particular, contesting.

For those of you who are not much into contesting, you would still have loved this presentation. Tim is passionate about ham radio. His enthusiasm and his ability to communicate to folks like me (semi-technical) and folks who are very technical made for a truly enjoyable HAM experience.

Pictured above is one (that's right, only one) of his many antennas. His radio room is 30' x 30'. What goes in all that space? Check out k3lr.com ...he's got pictures...lots of pictures.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Logging Software


Below is a list (not complete, I'm sure) of some of the logging software available. As you can imagine, with computers, logging can be made easier for those who wish to use it. If you make a lot of contacts, and you want to document those contacts, logging software can assist you in that endeavor.

eHam.net has review of 27 logging programs at: http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27,
where they provide a listing of the various programs, any reviews they have received from users, a numerical rating, and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

Gene, ae5ft, came away from Green Country Hamfest with two copies of "MicroLog" last March. He was a MicroLog user before, so he jumped at the chance to buy the program and callbook for $10 from Jerry, wa0h, http://www.wa0h.com,. As it turns out Gene won one of the hourly drawings and...guess what the prize was...yep, a MicroLog CD, just like the one he had just paid $10 for.

Gene says that the MicroLog software has some shortcomings, but overall, works fine. The real-time only logging feature uses the call book data base. He says the built in maps are great. Other features include band plans, prints QSL cards and/or labels, grid square, CQ Zones, DX country lists. It also has import/export functions. But best of all is the callbook information. Gene says, "If I buy a copy from Jerry at every Green Country Hamfest, then I have up-to-date callbook every year for $10."

Thanks for the great information Gene!

Here's that list of some of the software available.


Microlog--http://www.wa0h.com--$12 (includes callbooks)
Ham Radio Deluxe--http://ham-radio-deluxe.com/--free
Amateur Contact Log--http://www.n3fjp.com--$19
Logger32--http://www.logger32.net--$49
Winlog32--http://winlog32.co.uk--free
DX 4 Win--http://www.dx4win.com--$90
Shortwave Log-http://shortwavelog.com--free (I think)
Log Window--http://www.scoincsoftware.com--$4.96 per yr.
DXKeeper--http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxkeeper--free
XMLog--http://www.xmlog.com--freeware
Klog--http://www.kreso.com/klog--free
59+Log--http://hamradio.idealog.net--Shareware $25
CQLog--http://www.cqlog.com--$39
AALog--http://wareseeker.com/free-rz4ag-analog/--free
DXbase2007--http://www.dxbase.com--$99
DXtremeStationLog--http://www.dxtreme.com--$89
Easylog--http://www.easylog.com/world.htm--$89
B-log--http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=10531
SwissLog--http://www.icap.ch/--free

On-Line Logging

ae5ft, Gene
, also has contributed this information on two Online Logging systems:
The first is:

eQSL - available at:
http://www.eqsl.org

"This is a free log online. I used this as my very first log file when first licensed. You can enter contacts online and they are stored for you. Others can add their contacts on their log and when the two match, you have a "verified" contact. You can take this as far as you want. The site offers its own set of eQSL awards. You can design on online qsl card that is sent electronically when someone logs a contact with you."

"Currently the OMISS net recognizes the eQSL confirmation for their awards and CQ allows the use of eQSL for their awards, too."

"No fabulous features other than the electronic contact verification and automatic logging of awards."

"Well worth checking out."

The second is:

The Logbook of the World: http://www.arrl.org/lotw/

"The Logbook of the World is supported by the ARRL and is much more formal than eQSL. You must sign up and your call certified to enter your logging information. Not useful for single contact logging, but really good for uploading bulk files or contest files. When two stations have matching information, a QSL is logged and verified. These are used to confirm contacts for WAS and other ARRL awards. This logbook is used worldwide and is well recognized and supported by the DX community.

Everone should be a member if doing any work on HF or for anyone working gridsquares or DX activity.

73, Gene"

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Cross-Band Repeat Addendum

Radios That Support the Cross-Band Repeat Feature

Alinco
DJ 586
DR 610
DR605
DR635

Yaesu
FT-8100
FT-8800
FT-8900
FT-5100
FT-5200
FT-847

Icom
2720
2820

Kenwood
TM-732
TM-V7A
TH-79
TM-V71
TM-D700E

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Tech Net Notes April 8, 2009


Cross Band Repeat

What is cross-band repeat?

This is where a radio is set up to receive on a frequency on one band and then repeats what it hears on a frequency on another band. In most cases, when the cross-band feature is activated it works in duplex mode. That means that whatever it hears on one frequency, it repeats on the other. To be activated, it is necessary to program both frequencies into the radio and then activate the feature.

Application? For example, if you can't make it into a VHF repeater from your HT at home, if your home station has the capability, you can set it up to listen (and talk) to your HT on UHF, and to relay your transmissions onto the VHF repeater's frequency. With that activated you can walk around the house (or anywhere within range of your home station) and get into the VHF repeater through your HT.

In the above example, your home station has become your own personal repeating relay station. Of course, anyone transmitting on the same UHF frequency within range of your home station will be able to get in to the VHF repeater as well.

It should be noted here that you do not necessarily have to "repeat" into a repeater's frequencies. This can be done on simplex as well. For example, if you want to enjoy an evening of grilling on the patio at the same time your favorite Saturday Night Simplex Net is being run, you can now do that without moving your equipment outside. You can program in the Simplex frequency and the HT frequency into your home station, activate the feature, and from the comfort of your patio listen to and check in to the Simplex Net. Burgers never tasted sooo good!

If your mobile unit has the capability, it can act as a relay station as well. For example, you park your car on a hill where it can get into your favorite repeater and now you can talk through your HT to the repeater via your car's radio as you're hiking around the hills and valleys within HT range of your car.

If you operate the cross-band repeat station using a battery as a power source, realize that the radio will be transmitting anytime anything is heard on either frequency. If your power setting is at the highest level, and the frequencies are fairly active, you may run the risk of overheating your radio and/or running down the battery. For this reason it is recommended that you use the lowest power settings possible (especially on your HT).

ke5wsi, Ray, wanted to know if anyone knew how to set up his FT5100 for cross-band repeat. He doesn't have the manual for it anymore and needs help figuring it out. w5okl, Richie, mentioned that he has seen radios that will do cross-band repeat that don't have that feature documented in their manual.

ke5yoo, Mike, mentioned that he read that there are some ID requirements that may need to be met while in the cross-band repeat mode. ke5omv, Don, said that he had seen the same issue addressed in an article on the internet, and that it was suggested in the article that even if you are just "listening" while in cross-band repeat mode, it is necessary to identify every 10 minutes. The automatic code identifier can be annoying to other operators, so it's best to do it through voice transmissions.

ke5wga, Ray, asked if radios must be "dual receive" or said another way, have the ability to receive two separate frequencies at one time, in order to cross-band repeat. ke5lnn, Dave, replied that yes, radios must have the "dual receive" feature.

ke5lnn, Dave, added that he uses the cross band feature when he can't be in his shack for a net. He also cautioned that you need to make sure you turn the cross-band feature off when you're not using it. Sometimes it can get hung up, so you need to monitor it's use.

kc5uoq, Larry, said he's never used the cross-band feature, but a friend at work would use it inside the building where they worked to cross-band to the radio in his jeep. It worked great.

ke5ubr, Hank, said that he has been working with his cross-band repeat and that he had it disabled at this time because he did not want it hanging up the repeater. He has had that occur on occasion, and doesn't want to cause problems for the net. He sets his power to low on UHF and to high on VHF.

ke5mxh, Don, said that he had a visit from wb5mxo, Guy. Guy dropped by to show Don how to tune his amplifier. He added that on the Oklahoma City Tech Net, to reduce problems from doubling, they suggest to start your transmission with "This is..." then un-key, listen for others who may have keyed up, and then if clear, continue on with your transmission.

kc5qgq, Dan, suggested that when in cross-band repeat to set your squelch at minimum, then set your power at the minimum you need to get in, they adjust your squelch back up. Also, to reduce hanging up the transmitter, he suggested to the the transmission time ("tx time") to a shorter time, which would produce a shorter squelch tail.

ke5swu, James, asked if anyone had experience using Ham Radio Deluxe with a Yaesu FT-897. w5ydl, Dan, answered back that yes he has used it and that it works great. He added that you can completely control your radio with your computer.

kf5acd, John, asked what would be a good radio for cross band repeat. ke5omv, Don, suggested the Yaesu FT8800 and mentioned that Kenwood and Icom both have radios that cross-band repeat. kc5qgq, Dan, suggested the Yaesu FT-8900 quad-band radio and the Kenwood 733A as being radios he had good experience with. He added that the Kenwood's manual doesn't say anything about it, but he found out how to set it up from another ham and that it works.

ka5tro, Tony, said that the Alinco DR605T is an older radio, but that the cross-band feature in it worked very well.


Added Note: I ran across a website that explained the procedure that Ray would use to activate the Cross-Band Repeat on his Yaesu 5100. It is: http://www.radiomods.co.nz/yaesu/yaesuft5100.html