RaDAR Challenge Plans and Preparations for April 7th

I am getting excited about going to St George Island State Park for the April 7th RaDAR Challenge. I coined this venue "RaDAR Heaven" in my video below of last April's RaDAR Challenge. This year, I will be assisted by Dennis WA6QKN and Suzy. In RaDAR, you are required to make five contacts before moving to the next location. We will transition on foot and paw between stops. We will alternate between the beach on the South Shore and a picnic area on the North Shore during the four-hour window of the challenge. Well considering the loadout for antennas and gear  I will use the dog stroller. I call it the RaDAR Rover.

St George Island, of course, is surrounded by saltwater. I am counting on the "saltwater effect" for vertically polarized antennas to help with RaDAR to RaDAR DX. The beach on the Southside has a good shot over saltwater for Eddie ZS6BNE and his friends in South Africa. I tested an elevated vertical this weekend in the front yard. It uses an MFJ 1979 telescopic whip about 17 feet long. I am using a set of adjustable dipole elements as radials. We will set this antenna up right at the surf on the beach.

Bob WB4BLX, a local ham, has clued me in on a 60-meter net that operates on channel 4 in the mornings. I know several hams in the group that checks in. I tried my Gypsy dipole which is about 10 feet above the ground for 60 meters Sunday. The dipole is basically 40 through 10 meters. However, there are four feet of extra wire in each winder. I used the extra length and a tuner to get on 60 meters. I got an S-9 report from Sandy W5TVW in Lousiana. That is promising

 April 7 and 8th will also be the Florida State Parks On The Air Contest as well. The list of state parks being activated on the event website. As an activator, we can draw some contacts. It is nice to be chased. St. George Island is K-0635 for Parks On The Air POTA. A satellite pass will factor in. I have not determined which sat or pass will be timely. Working a sat is a bonus for the RaDAR Challenge and FL State Parks On The Air.



I have recommended that chasers use HamAlert. On CW, I can just CQ de N4KGL and you will be pushed a notification. On SSB I can self-spot of DXWatch.com or someone else may spot me and you will be pushed a notification. There are several notification options in HamAlert. With the on and off nature of RaDAR bear with us. If a CQ does not work I will hunt and pounce. QSOs with friends during the event are greatly appreciated. If you want to brush up on the details of RaDAR Challenge see the rules at http://radarops.co.za/index.php/radar-rules/ Join us on the air!

Our ops will be in the inset part of the map.

RaDAR on the Field Radio Podcast

Thanks to John Jacobs W7DBO for allowing me to talk about Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio and the RaDAR Challenge on his Field Radio Podcast. Take a look at all of John's podcasts and videos there. The topics are interesting for any outdoor amateur radio operator and the production is excellent. John hinted that he may go out for the April 7th RaDAR Challenge and make a video about it. Check back on Field Radio Podcast for that.

The goal of Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio (RaDAR) is to practice communication via amateur radio under difficult circumstances, in many different ways, being ever ready, and independent of external resources until it becomes second nature. The unique aspect of RaDAR is adding movement to outdoor operating. That is stations rapidly deploy, move with all necessary gear and redeploy. This is a stress test of operating capabilities but can be enjoyable and rewarding when undertaken in the great outdoors.

Thanks to Eddie ZS6BNE for originating and refining RaDAR over the years. Eddie discusses his ham radio story and RaDAR on QSO Today Episode 28. 

Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE

Check out this video Eddie and his son made.

Here are the key links for RaDAR

RaDAR Ops

http://radarops.co.za/

Google+ Community

https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109283065808971118728

Eddie ZS6BNE Blog

https://zs6bne.wordpress.com/category/radar/

Join us for the April 7th, 2018 RaDAR Challenge!

73

Greg N4KGL

California Trip Report

Linda and I flew out to Chico, California for my youngest Daughter's wedding. So ham radio was not the top priority. Also, the weather was cold, wet, and windy for the most part. However, I did work in some operating. First of all, I packed the Elecraft KX2, batteries and just about every portable antenna I have. I had no issues with anything at TSA security. We went through the TSA Pre-check line. I did not have to take anything out of my bags and even kept my shoes on.

The Elecraft KX2 is a great travel radio

A rainbow right out our hotel window.

At the hotel, I got a 4th-floor room with an East facing window by luck. That is what I wanted. I set up the Alexloop in the window. I ran the WSPRlite beacon for a while. It was not getting back to KK4DIV's receiver in Panama City but did reach Auburn, Alabama. I made a CW contact or two. But for the whole trip, I heard little on CW. I am a late adopter on FT-8. So this was an opportunity to use it. I actually worked through making contacts on FT-8 with the software and a Signalink interface for the KX2. I made a few QSOs but being indoors I made a lot of calls that were unanswered.

The Sacramento River

My setup at Bidwell Sacramento River State Park

I went out to the Bidwell Sacramento River State Park near the end of the visit. I decided to use the Gypsy dipole on 20 meters. I had taken a set of pole sections that I cut in half to fit in the suitcase. The sections make three poles that support the dipole at about ten feet off the ground. A park ranger came by and said it was a good thing I was not using the trees. So bringing the pole set paid off. I had not really advertised the visit to the park as a POTA activation. The internet on the smartphone was flaky so I could not spot myself. I heard very few CW signals and managed only one fleeting contact. But on 20 SSB, the ARRL SSB DX contest was underway. I did get two Hawaiian and an Alaskan station. I wrapped up with a JH8 in Japan. Having worked Japan on SSB, I called it a success. I had thought about a SOTA activation on this trip, but the weather worked against that. Also, the distance to an easy peak was at least three hours away.



In any case, Linda and I spent quality time with our Daughter Emily and her new husband Nathan. Emily showed us Bidwell park right in town. I saw some redwoods there.  Perhaps, the next trip will have better weather for ham radio and sightseeing.

Choosing Portable Radio Gear for Airline Travel.

A trip out of state via an airline raises the question of what you want to pack for radio gear. It is a little different than driving to the local park. You could pack lots of goodies up to the airline limits but the gear would be a burden to lug around. Fortunately, there are good options for portable radios like the Elecraft KX3 and Yaesu FT 817. In my opinion, the Elecraft KX2 has really nailed it for size and performance. It is smaller than a shaving kit, runs 10 watts all modes 80 through 10 meters and includes an internal tuner.

Elecraft CS 60 Case

Elecraft CS 60 Case

The KXBT2 lithium-ion battery fits inside the KX2. I also have a spare. As far as I can tell the batteries can go in my carry-on bag with the rig. Also per the quote below my 10 ah, LiFePO4 could go as well. It is 120 watt-hours.

Effective January 15, 2018, each Customer is permitted up to a maximum of 15 PEDs and a maximum of 20 spare lithium-ion batteries per person. Loose or spare cells or batteries (including power banks) must be protected from short circuit and transported in carryon baggage only. If the lithium-ion cells or batteries exceed 100 watt-hours, only 2 cells or batteries not exceeding 160 watt-hours each are permitted. Cells or batteries that exceed the 160 watt-hour limit are not allowed as checked or carryon baggage.

Elecraft KX2, MFJ whip, and AlexMic

Next, I will include my MFJ whips for 40, 20 and 17 meters.  They let me use the KX2 like a handi-talkie for HF. I use a short counterpoise wire with the whips. This is the ultimate in portability. I even do CW while walking with the KX2 paddle. I treat the paddle like a straight key.

Alexloop on tripod

My experience tells me the next go-to antenna is the PY1AHD Alexloop with a tripod. It is easy to set up in the room, on the hotel grounds or in the park. It will work 40 through 10 up to 20 watts SSB. This would be a good place to draw the line. Just have fun. If I get going on FT-8, it would help to make contacts out of the room with the Alexloop.

LNR EFT 40/20/10 Trail Friendly EndFed Antenna

The next tier to go includes LNR Trail-Friendly End Fed. It is very light and fits in your palm and why not the Wind Camp Gypsy Adjustable dipole. Of course, I better pack throw line and a throw bag. Beyond that, I have more options including the BuddiStick, Chameleon products including the Hybrid Micro and their whips. All good but the weight and bulk will start adding up. I have poles to support the adjustable dipole But that would go too far I suppose. Everyone can make their own choices, but I just have too many.

My Vintage Drake Station for the Novice Rig Roundup

Back in the late 60s, my amateur radio novice station used a Drake 2-C receiver. The transmitter was a loaned Hallicrafters HT-6. After upgrading to general class, I added the Drake T-4XB transmitter. So I had a mix of the Drake 2-line and the Drake 4-line

Phil N4STC enjoys working on older gear

It is a long story, but I foolishly let my original Drake 2-C and Drake T-4XB go. Of late, I was able to find another Drake 2-C on eBay and later the Drake 2-NT. This would be the ideal Novice station of the day. As required by the FCC the transmitter is crystal controlled and DC input power can be set to 75 watts.

The Hayseed Hamfest capacitor can replacement on the Drake 2-NT

It seemed a good idea to replace the electrolytic capacitors as that is usually what goes bad in vintage rigs. I got recap kits for the 2-C and 2-NT from Hayseed Hamfest. I let Phil N4STC replace the caps as he really knows what he is doing. The 2-NT transmitter came to life immediately after the recap. The 2-C receiver lit up but there was no hiss. Phil tapped a tube and it came to life. The tube was loose in the socket.

Note on the video, I can increase the relay delay on the 2-NT to cut down the relay clicking.

The pair works like a transceiver together. The 2-NT has the TR relay. The 2-NT also has mute and sidetone lines to the 2-C. You can use spot feature to find your transmitted signal on the receiver. I bought some crystals from AF4K. Note, crystal operating is a different game today. You will be unlikely to raise anyone calling CQ off your frequency. They don't tune around for a reply to a CQ like we did in the Novice days.

N4KGL testing the Drake 2 Line

So we ended up the session with a contact with Harry WA1GXC in Rhode Island on 20 CW. He just happens to be a Drake collector, the Drake 4 line in particular.a big thanks to Phil N4STC. He made my day! It happens to be my Birthday today so a great present this was. I now look forward to Novice Rig Roundup March 3rd to March 11th.

Do you know where your Ham Buddies are?

HamAlert is phenomenal! I can keep up with my buddies when they get on the air.  They can keep up with me IF they setup HamAlert. I try to let them know where I am when I operate portable. It is difficult task via email. In the perfect world, all of them would use HamAlert.

What is HamAlert?

HamAlert is a system that allows you to get notifications when a desired station appears on the DX cluster, the Reverse Beacon Network, SOTAwatch, or PSK Reporter. No need to keep checking these resources manually if you're looking for a certain callsign, DXCC, CQ zone, IOTA island, SOTA summit or WWFF reference.

You can receive alerts via Email, Push notification, SMS or URL GET/POST. You can also filter spots by various criteria, including:

• DXCC (both actual and callsign home DXCC)
• Callsign
• IOTA group reference
• SOTA summit reference
• WWFF division/reference
• CQ zone
• Continent
• Band
• Mode
• Time and days of week
• Source
• Spotter callsign and DXCC

Furthermore, you can set limits on the number of alerts in a certain time period so you don't receive duplicate spots, but are still notified if for example the station changes to another frequency.

I registered for HamAlert at this link. The following screens are from the website. You can do the same with the HamAlert app for your smartphone. I use the app as the destination for most of my alerts. Note I can monitor KFF Parks On The Air activations, monitor myself and a list of callsigns for my buddies. I only monitor KFF on the weekend. There are lots of activations going on.

Here are the details on my buddies list.

It turns out for those that run FT-8, I get too many alerts. So I set up limits. I could change the limits for the weekend to get all the alerts.

Below are spots shown on my Android smartphone. It is great to know that Tom G0SWB is on CW even if I am not near the rig. He is brushing up on his CW.

Your settings will be according to your preferences. If you want to find N4KGL your chances are pretty good with HamAlert. BTW,  send TEST DE YOURCALL on CW and you will trigger RBN. The alert comes back immediately. Note on SSB, I can spot myself on DX Cluster and the alert goes out. Easy!

My new Fitbit Ionic Watch is a RaDAR Assistant

RaDAR Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio encourages combining physical activity with amateur radio. Sadly, exercise has not been a habit with me other than walking Suzy on weekends. I have been able to do the one kilometer walks during the RaDAR Challenge, but pulling the cart was taxing.

Now enter the Fitbit Ionic Watch. It was my Christmas gift from Linda. The watch puts much of the Fitbit technology on your wrist. It tracks steps and measures your heart rate. It also has a built-in GPS. There are apps that measure your exercise. It can do this without your smartphone but it does sync with my android phone. That is where the statistics are available.

The Fitbit tracks your daily steps and encourages you to set goals and do more. It expects me to do 250 steps each hour between 9 AM and 6 PM. I have to get out of my chair at work to make that happen. It gives me credit for walking up stairs and general activity. Packing up for Winter Field Day showed up as an activity.

The American Heart Association recommends 10K steps per day. My normal steps per day would be around 3K. However, by doing two 10 minute and one 15 minute walk at work I am getting up around 7K. This should pay off on the RaDAR Challenge as I am improving my one-kilometer pace. I did get 10K steps once at a rocket launch.

The walk exercise app lets me know when I have reached a kilometer. My exercise path is recorded by the watch GPS. I can review it later on my watch or PC. This will be handy for the RaDAR Challenge. Oh yes, the watch can play MP3 files through Bluetooth earbuds. I have some code practice files in mine.