Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
January 29, 2023
Hunting the Fox
Chip Coker, KD4C, President of the Richardson Wireless Klub, presented an excellent program on foxhunting at our January 12 meeting. Foxhunting is simply trying to find a hidden transmitter using portable equipment such as an HT with a directional antenna and it’s an activity that many hams enjoy.
The Richardson Wireless Klub has regularly scheduled fox hunts. For more information Chip suggested you visit the K5RWK website https://www.k5rwk.org/foxhunt/ as well as these links:
An easy-to-build tape measure antenna— http://theleggios.net/wb2hol/projects/rdf/tape_bm.htm.
The complete story behind finding a stuck transmitter interfering with the Denton County (DCARA) repeater— https://www.k5rwk.org/2022/04/30/foxhunting-for-real/.
Meanwhile, check out the video of Chip’s presentation.
New Year Resolution:
Check Your Contact Information
The FCC requires amateur radio licensees to have a physical mailing address as well as valid email address on file.
If you haven’t visited the FCC recently, log in to the COmmission REgistration System (CORES)
https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do to review and update your information.
If you need help, check out their CORES video tutorials here: https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fcc-registration-system-cores/commission-registration-system-video-tutorials. If the FCC cannot contact you, they might revoke your license.
Parts is Parts
Ron Reeves, NN5R
I have a spreadsheet where I jot down ham radio parts I need. I recently decided to get my act together, order the parts and fix some things around the shack. My favorite mail order parts suppliers are Mouser, Kits and Parts dot com, Four States QRP Group, the 24-hour hamfest known as eBay, and that famous bookseller, Amazon. This time I found everything I needed at Mouser or already in my stock. If you haven’t been on the Mouser site recently, there’s a countdown clock in the upper right corner. If you place your order before the clock hits zero, Mouser promises to ship your order the same day. Those of us in the DFW area are spoiled rotten. The Mouser distribution warehouse is physically located over in
Mansfield. For me, the cheapest shipping option, “3-5-day shipping”, is really next-day delivery. I can order parts on Monday before that clock hits zero and the (in-stock) parts are on my doorstep sometime Tuesday. Not as convenient as Tanner’s but Mouser has a much larger selection and is still in business. My spreadsheet is empty right now, except for a toroid I’ll get from Amazon. Wow! An online bookstore that also carries ham radio parts. What will they think of next?
David Gilpin, K5GIL, recently challenged me to look into a potential Build-a-Rig project. You can help. We’re looking for a project we can use as a Club build—maybe an affordable rig that we can have fun building. It can be a true homebrew (we do most of the work) or an all-inclusive almost-idiot-proof Heathkit-style kit. David has a suggestion for a 5-watt all-band all-mode rig. I have a few ideas. We need your input. Have you run across a rig or project you’d like to build and need a little encouragement to go forward with it? Send me an email with your suggestion and we’ll see what develops.
73 Ron, NN5R
Play Day
Play Days are usually on the third Saturday of each month. The next Play Day is February 18, 2023.
Go now to the EVENTS page for more details.
License Testing
Allan Batteiger, WB5QNG, will have an in-person test session on February 18 at the Library. Check the EVENTS page for details. Allan continues to offer remote testing sessions as well. Please visit https://wb5qng.org/ to learn how to sign up.
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
Addison
ARES/RACES
Next scheduled nets
ARES® Training
12 February 2023, 8:00 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
RACES Training
19 February 2023, 7:45 PM CT
145.210 Tone 110.9
Pop Quiz
Match these SI electrical symbols with what they measure.
1. A
2. V
3. Hz
4. F
5. T
6. H
7. W
A. Electromotive force
B. Inductance
C. Power
D. Magnetic field strength
E. Capacitance
F. Frequency
G. Current
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