Aim Highest!

Every Ham radio operator keeps a log. Each contact made is recorded either with a paper log or electronic. With the addition of the Internet being integrated with amateur radio, some of us automatically upload our log entries to the Internet. One of these sites is sponsored by Ham Radio Deluxe, the maker of the software when interfaced with your radio, allows your computer to completely control the radio. Now my friends and family can see my “real-time” activities on my amateur radio and view my log and see locations I have talked to from my humble flagpole antenna.

Here are the links:

http://www.hrdlog.net/ViewLogbook.aspx?user=K4BSC

Had an interesting program meeting at the YCARS clubhouse in January. Ric Porter, AA4SC, gave a presentation on DX on 2 meters, bouncing your signal off of the moon to communicate with other amateur radio operators on the other side of the earth. Seems the moon is in prime location on its orbit and is the closest to the earth for a few months. 2 Meters is typically used for short distances for tactical communications and local repeater use. The presentation talked about the theory, software needed, and antenna considerations. Since the signal is so weak, it is considered a digital mode of operation needing a computer interface.

Well, it’s time for my monthly post to the blog. What should I talk about this cold December night? Well, at this months business meeting for the York County Amateur Radio Society (Rock Hill, SC), I was elected President (Yeah!!!). I am really excited about the coming year. We have a really good core of member who attend regularly. They all seem to understand the club doesn’t run by itself and they all pitch in based on their talents and time available to make the club a success. I am planning for some good program meetings, doing more service events and some monthly activities in the radio room. I am also looking to do more to advertise amateur radio in the community. You might see some scout troops providing flag ceremonies at program meetings. We definitely will participate in scout activities such as radio merit badge classes, Jamboree on the Air, etc.  There will be the Bike Race, Nets, Field Day, and many social get-together’ s. There will be Breakfast at Rosies Restaurant one day a month. There will projects around the clubhouse to do some needed maintenance and sprucing up.

CQ, CQ, Cee Que at the radio club house!!!

Rather than having to scan for pictures in this blog, I am keeping my photo blog separate. I will help me better manage them with categories. I have started with some pictures of the flag pole antenna and a bike race where I provided service as a radio check point.

Enjoy:

http://www.aimhighest.com/K4BSC/Gallery/index.php?x=browse

10 meters has been a problem. There is a local net in the area called the ‘Hoodlum’ net on 10 meters. It runs at 10pm EDT every Saturday night. The flagpole just doesn’t pick up the local folks.

Solution: The KW TS-2000 has two HF antenna ports. I went to the local Truck Stop and picked up a CB antenna.  (10 meters…). Came home, screwed it into a spare magnetic mount puck and mounted on top of the car. (never will drive around with this huge antenna on top of the car…) Parked the car close to the shack and attached it to my TS-2000 via a LDG KT-100 autotuner. Last Saturday night, I was able to join in the net for the first time. I was able to hear all the local participants, about 10 folks.
Now I have to remember to remove the antenna puck from the wife’s car before she drives off…

Ken Tedder gave an excellent presentation at YCARS on performing the function of Hamfest “talk-in”. I expected this to be a short, to the point presentation, but he carefully presented ideas that made the topic interesting. He described the importance of putting yourself in the place of the lost person and 1st to gain their confidence in you. Then to have the foreknowledge of landmarks and knowing the key entrances to the city. You need to ask the right questions and direct with their minds’ eye for left and right directions. He used a lot of personal experience and humor that made the evening enjoyable. (I don’t remember the last time someone actually used view cells on an overhead projector). I am glad I attended and will pay respect to the folks performing this vital hamfest function.

Aim Highest! Wow, I was amazed when I searched for a website, this one was available. It is really an awesome nomenclature for someones desire to be the best they can be. When doing anything, aim highest! Do your best, choose the right, be prepared. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

OK, back to reality, earthlings. Yes, I make mistakes. Yes I do my share of procrastination. I am human. Still we are responsible for overcoming the natural man. We still need to strive to overcome ourselves and try to be like the one who lived 2000 plus years ago and set the ultimate example.

Let’s get down to business!