QRP Home Companion
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Introduction- Summer 2003
Welcome to the first edition of the QRP Home Companion column. As a long-time reader, I was honored when Editor Michael Boatright, KO4WX asked me if me if I would be willing to write a regular column for the QRP Quarterly. In this first column I want to give you an overview of who I am, what I will cover each issue and a few tidbits of information for you to chew on until the next QRP Quarterly.
Who is K8ZT?
First here are the facts—I am 47 years old and have been a ham since 1981. I live in Northeast Ohio with my wife Linda, KA8ODP, and our teenage children Aaron and Erica. I am employed as a Technology Director for a small public school district (which means I am responsible for all aspects of technology: computers, software, repairs, purchasing, installation, network administration, staff training, Internet access, district web page, telephones, etc.) Welcome to the first edition of the QRP Home Companion column.
I had been interested in becoming a ham since my high school days but did not know how to become one. After college and marriage, my wife read a newspaper piece about a class to get your Amateur Radio license being held in the area. She did not have to ask me twice, I was ready to go. She agreed to go along with me. After a few months we both had our Novice licenses. My call sign was KA8NRC. I upgraded to Technician later that year.
How I came to be a QRPer was the result of a radio advertisement I had lusted over in an electronics magazine from my high school days. I had been very active in Boy Scouts and camping so the Ten-Tec PM-1 in the ad seemed like the perfect radio, lightweight, low battery drain and very
Back in the pre-Internet days, the main source of information for a new comer to any hobby was magazines written on the subject. I love to read and definitely needed more information to actually get on the air, so I subscribed to the big three: QST, CQ and 73. I soon spent my lunchhour at work accompanied by a ham magazine. I read an article about QRP (unfortunately I don’t remember the exact article) and two clubs, the G-QRP and QRP-ARCI. The next day I sent off checks to join both clubs. The two quarterly QRP journals soon became my favorite reading material and I waited impatiently for each new issue to arrive.
With the two QRP journals as encouragement and my QRP rig, I proceeded to get on the air and actually work stations. I didn’t know “that QRP wasn’t the best way to start out as a new ham” as others would later tell me. That is how I started my almost exclusively QRP ham adventure of over twenty years. Starting with the Argonaut’s approximately two watts taught me many trick to make contacts with little power. Along the way I read many invaluable operating, equipment and antenna hints in the QRP Quarterly.
In the mid 1980s, through the QRP Quarterly, I learned about an informal gathering of QRP operators at a now defunct downtown hotel in Dayton. I had
Let’s fast forward to 2000 (don’t worry I will fill in the gaps in future columns.) In 2000, I upgraded my license to Extra Class and after many agonizing hours I decided to change my call sign to K8ZT. (To read my article “Selecting an Ideal Vanity Call Sign” and get a copy of a spreadsheet to assist you, visit . This article led me to write a monthly column on QRP for the ARRL’s website called The QRP Community. You can visit www.arrl.org to read past columns, just search using “QRP Community” or my call sign. That is enough about me for now (maybe too much!)
What is the QRP Home Companion column?
My goal for each edition is to highlight a few of the many different aspects of QRPing. We will be taking a look at operating events, contests and awards. I will keep you up-to-date on gear for the QRPer including kits, homebrewing and commercial equipment. I will pass on hints and tricks for QRP success and fun. Each column will include a wide variety of QRP resources (both in print and on-line.) Let me start out with a variety of QRP links you can find on my website’s QRP page
I welcome your input and suggestions for this column. Please contact me via e-mail. Thanks for the opportunity to write for the QRP Quarterly and hope to work you on the air, QRP.
QRP DXing- Fall 2003
You might remember, from my last column, that I began my ham career with a Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 QRP Transceiver. When I first received my license I was disappointed that I was not working any DX. Initially I feared that my QRP rig would not be able to work DX. Luckily, I found out that QRP level operation was not my problem; my problem was ignorance of propagation and international band plans. Unlike then, I now know that my CQing in the novice portion of 40 Meters did not result in DX because most DX countries did not have privileges above 7.100! Also my late evening calls on 15 Meters were unsuccessful because band propagation had shut down hours ago!
Keys to My DX Success
Eventually I became more aware of international band plans and the multiple cycles of propagation (day/night, seasonal and 11 year.) Soon being on the right band at the right times began to yield my first DX contacts.
Over the years I have learned a lot more “tricks” to working DX with QRP. Many of these tricks are applicable to not only DXing but also contesting, award chasing and even routine day-to-day operations. If you happen to also operate QRO, skills built with these QRP DXing operation tips can almost give you an unfair advantage over typical QRO operators (HI HI!)
Ten Tips for QRP DXing:
1) Operate!
Get on the air! More time on the air can definitely increase your chances, especially if you know when and where to hang out.
Listen carefully, check weak signals that others skip over, thoroughly explore the bands for “hidden” DX. If you find the DX before the horde descends, your chances to work the DX are much greater. Listen to the stations the DX station is working for a good idea of propagation and the DX station’s operating style. Listen to how and where the DX station is working other stations. Is he working split--i.e. listening “up” or “down” in frequency, answering late callers, systematically moving his listening frequency or asking specifically for QRP stations?
3) Timing, Timing, Timing
Develop good response timing Knowing when to respond, pacing, emphasis and calling techniques will increase your chances of success.
4) Learn about propagation
Consult forecasts, check daily numbers (SFI, A and K), use propagation prediction software and review your logs from bygone seasons, years and solar cycles. Choose your operating times to favor the area of Earth you are trying to contact. The ARRL Propagation page http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html on the ARRL Web site has lots more information on this fascinating topic.
5) Work contests
Worldwide contests provide a plethora of potential DX contacts--sometimes even the rare stuff. It’s remarkable how well your QRP signal can be heard when it means a point for the contester on the other end. For tips on QRP Contesting, see my two ARRL columns-QRP Community: Contesting http://www.k8zt.com/qrp-com.html
Visit my web page http://www.qsl.net/ k8zt/racg/racg.html for the Radio Amateur's Conversation Guide by Jukka, OH2BR and Miika, OH2BAD.
7) Optimize your station & Learn how to use your radios’ features
Spend a few quality hours with your radios and their manuals. Learn how to properly operate your gear and how to use special features. For example, know how to quickly set up your rig for split-frequency operation. Put up the best antenna(s) you can. Keep your station in good operating condition
8) DX spots and news.
Use the many sources of DX information to learn about DX opportunities. Sources range from magazine articles to real-time spotting networks.
Visit http://www.benlo.com/dxmon.html for the excellent freeware program DX Monitor by VE3SUN
9) Keep good records
Use full-featured logging software that can track DX worked and monitor your progress. Learn the most effective methods to get QSL cards from the DX stations you have worked.
10) Set personal goals
Working the 330-plus DXCC entities can be a very overwhelming task for the new DXer. Setting more reasonable and modest personal goals can help a DXer to maintain motivation. The first 100 confirmed DX contacts qualify you for the ARRL basic DXCC Award Other goals might be a specific number of new ones each year, working all the entities on a specific continent, etc.
QRP Contesting- Winter 2004
Many QRPers love contests and others hate them. If you are in the former group, I don’t need to give you reasons to work contests with QRP. But, if you are in the latter group, I have a suggestion for you. Don’t think of it as a contest. Instead, think of it as an excellent opportunity to make lots of QRP contacts. You might ask, “Why are contests a great place to make contacts?” Here is my list:
1) There are a lot of stations on the air. Just as in a chemical reaction, more molecules in a given space greatly increase reactions; more stations on the air increase the chances of making contacts.
2) Many of the stations on the air are well equipped with big antennas, the best equipment money can buy and highly skilled operators… which means all the better to pull our QRP signals out of the mud.
3) Serious contesters spend their own money to travel to DX locations (both common and rare) and put them on the air for us to work.
4) Serious contesting stations, even rare DX, really want to work you because you are worth points to them!
So, my advice: If you like contests, get on the air and rack up a great score with QRP. If you don’t like contests, get on the air, give out your exchange and ignore the other station’s exchange. Don’t bother keeping score, work only the hours you want and ignore the competition. You will rack up lots of QRP contacts and DX.
The following are a few tips for successful contesting. If you don’t care about your score, you can pick and choose from the following tips. If you are serious about competing, you will want to follow most of my hints and explore other resources for even more tips. (See a list of contesting web resources at the end of this column.)
1) Know when contests are held.
Visit websites of WA7BNM or SM3CER or read QST and CQ magazines’ contesting columns. (There are still plenty of good contests in the next few months.)
2) Know the rules for the contest and the exchange, if you don’t know the exchange you will not make other contesters very happy.
3) Use contesting software. Read the documentation and practice using before the contest.
4) Know operational features of your equipment (especially if you plan to work “split” on 40 phone.)
5) Timing, Timing, Timing Develop good response timing. Knowing when to respond, pacing, emphasis and calling techniques will increase your chances of success.
6) Keep current on Propagation conditions to help plan your operating schedule.
7) Scheduling is your plan for when you are going to work each band and what geographic area you expect to contact. Veteran contesters often spend considerable time scheduling. Although you need to be flexible, due to changes in band conditions, a well-planned schedule can greatly increase your effectiveness and overall score.
8) Choose your category. Based on your antennas, operating times and style, you
9) Pick contests that favor your operating style. Choose your favorite: mode, operating times, exchange style, venue-- DX, domestic or state. Don’t forget the QRP club sponsored contests (see the QQ Contesting Column and AMQRP calendar<http://www.amqrp.org
/contesting/contesting.html>.
10) Set personal goals. It’s hard to finish first if you are just starting out in contesting, if you have a minimal station and/or antennas or if you have limited time to operate. Instead choose goals that measure your own progress at your own pace. Goals can even be very specific: working those last few states for WAS on 40 Meters, adding to your DXCC total, working all counties in a specific state (all QRP, of course.)
11) Persistence and follow-up
If you want to score high or even win, you have to “stay in the chair.” You have to maximize your time on the air and then submit your log to the sponsor in the proper format by the deadline.
Bonus Hint- if you want to work DX, and don’t want to get clobbered for hours by QRO stations, operate during two key times-- Thursday and Friday before the contest (when all the DXpeditions are setting up and testing their equipment) and the last few hours of the contest (when most of the stations have already worked each other and you are “fresh meat.”)
Contesting Resources
I have collected a number of contesting links on my website along with links to two web columns I wrote on contesting.
Try QRP contesting this winter. You might really like it. Hopefully, you will work me so I can get a few more points, QRP of course.
Make Mine "To Go"- Winter 2004
Many hams, especially new hams or retirees, have very little permanent space to devote to a ham shack. Let’s take a look a temporary shack that allows QRP equipment to be moved into place and to become instantly operational. One very effective way to create this portable shack is a wooden box with horizontal shelves inside and no front or back. A sturdy handle assists in moving your shack. A nice touch is a handle that will fold down when not in use. Removable front and rear doors can be added if the shack will be transported longer distances and/or encounter rougher transporting environments.
Building your own portable ham shack is an easy project, even for beginners. There is no “tune up,” and it is guaranteed to work the first time. Here are the step-by-step instructions. Feel free to customize them for your needs. Please remember, safety first, whenever using power tools.
1) Gather the equipment you would like to package. Stack and arrange equipment in desired configuration then measure, allowing extra space for dividing shelves.
2) Select necessary wood. For shallower cases you can use 1-inch pine or hardwood in widths of 6, 8, 10 or 12 inches (remember this is nominal size; actual size of wood is smaller). For deeper cases use 3/4 or 1-inch plywood cut to your desired depth. For the internal shelves you can use 1/4-inch tempered hardwood or plywood.
3) Measure and mark your wood. You will need two lengths of pine or hardwood for the top and bottom equal to the width of your equipment plus one inch. The 1-inch space will allow you to insert foam strips on both sides of the equipment. This compressed foam strip will then help to hold equipment from sliding out of the case.
4) Cut measured wood, making sure to make a square cut (if you have access to a radial arm saw, this can assure a proper cut). Prepare strips of shelving material to the same depth as top and bottom pieces; rip using table or radial saw or cut carefully by using a circular or jig saw (clamping a straight edge on the wood to guide the saw is one trick to get a better cut).
6) To measure side pieces, place bottom piece under stack of equipment with a piece of shelving material between each layer of equipment. Place top piece on equipment. Mark one side piece by placing it vertical next to stack. Make a mark at top of edge of each piece of shelving material. Mark top of side piece and add 1 inch to allow for finishin
7) Using marks of shelf positions on side piece, add thickness of shelving material above each mark.Using first side piece as a guide, transfer marks to second side piece.
8) Grooves
Above each shelf mark cut a 1/4-inch deep groove across the side piece. This can be done with a router, radial arm saw, or circular saw (clamping a straight edge on wood to guide the circular saw will result in neater grove).
Complete all grooves, then assemble, temporarily, to test fit everything. Mark top of side piece and cut to finished length.
9) Drill Holes.
On a flat surface, align the four pieces, lying on their back edge, into a rectangle. Drill pilot holes for screws on side pieces.
10) Finishing
Sand all pieces. If staining, apply stain now before assembly. Apply desired finish/ sealant and allow to dry. Two coats with a fine sanding in between may be necessary to get desired finish. Also apply finish/ sealant to the yet-unassembled shelves and let dry.
Use wood glue and screws to assemble. Use a square to assure proper alignment of all corners. On the back of the case, metal “L” brackets can be added to strengthen and maintain square corners.
12) Test fit shelves by sliding into grooves; fit should be snug. Sand edges of shelves, if necessary, to fit.
13) Install shelves.
Use a small amount of wood glue in each groove and then slide the shelves into their final position.
14) Attach handle(s) to case. Attach rubber feet or rubber molding strips to bottom to prevent scratching surfaces you place case on.
15) Install Equipment
When all glue and finish are thoroughly dry, place equipment into their final locations. Then insert foam between equipment and side panels as necessary to hold in place. For foam with adhesive on one side, visit your hardware store’s weatherproofing aisle. If equipment heights on a shelf vary, you can also use foam above and/or below pieces of equipment.
You can then customize as desired. Possibilities include attaching a surge protector power strip to back of case to manage multiple plugs, removable “lids” for front and back, create an extra shelf with front and back covers to store accessories (key, microphone, cables, etc.) when not in use. An extra “enclosed” shelf can also be used to store gel cell batteries for truly portable operation. For equipment with microphone, headphone or other connectors on the side you will need to cut a small access “window” in the side piece.
I am writing this in March, and here in Ohio, spring is beginning to emerge from the snowy ground. Spring can be a rather ambivalent season for hams.
First, the bad news— good propagation surrounding the equinox is fading, noise on the low bands is increasing, preventing winter’s easy QRP QSOs on 160 and 80 meters. The major contests are over. The extra time to operate or build that results from decreased daylight and lack of yard work is rapidly fading (yes, there is at least one advantage to life in Northern climate!) Finally the “honey do” list of outdoor chores is growing fast.
Now, the good news— hamfest season has begun. Dayton and the accompanying QRP-ARCI’s Four Days in May are only weeks away. The weather is much more friendly for QRP field activities. ARRL Field Day planning has begun in earnest, the season for growing antennas and towers has begun and we can finally put away the winter coats, hats and gloves!
Just like taxes, spring is inevitable; so let’s take a look at some things a QRPer can do to take advantage of the season
Spring Cleaning of the Shack.
Start with your operating position. Clear the remnants of snacks, meals and liquid refreshment that have accumulated from extended hours of operating (especially contesting.)
Dusting is best accomplished with a combination of soft cloths and small paint brushes (½ to 1½ inch are good sizes) and careful use of a small canister vacuum cleaner. You want to be careful not to scratch plastic displays, suck up small connectors or damage painted surfaces.
Even though it may have been safe when we installed it, all electrical devices need to be checked periodically for safety. This idea was driven home when I was dissembling my shack of 12 years and discovered that the rubber insulation of the 110 VAC power cord to my antenna rotor box had dried and crumbled off, leaving sections of parallel copper wires just fractions of an inch from contact with each other. Even scarier, they were close in contact with the metal legs of my operating desk!
I would suggest checking insulation of all power feed cables (12 VDC & 110 VAC) and connections to equipment. Make sure there are no “pinch points” or sharp edges on the desk and equipment that can damage wire insulation. Don’t forget to check under the desk for damage to multi-outlets and/or surge protectors.
Work Bench & Junk Box
With the hamfesting season upon us, it is a good time to clean that workbench. This will allow you to gather up your surplus equipment, built kits and excess components and sell them. Conversely check to see what components or new equipment you need to finish that lingering winter building project, get on a new band or mode and/or just put aside a few spares (I always need more PL-259s and ¼ and mini plugs.)
Tower and Antenna Supports
Start with all ropes and guy lines. Check turnbuckles, clamps, knots and anchors. Check lines for damage or deterioration. Trim tree branches that can interfere with guys. Check bolts, nuts and other hardware of tower base connections. Visually inspect towers and rotors for damage. Use a pair of binoculars for this initial inspection safely from the ground. Whenever you have to climb your tower, take time to do an up close
Feed Line & Antennas
Feed Line, Coax Connectors Coax & can be damaged by wind, rain, ice and UV radiation. Connectors can become infiltrated with moisture. Periodic replacement of coax is necessary to prevent losing all of your precious QRP watts before they ever reach the antenna, let alone that station on the other side of the world. Special attention should be paid to weatherproofing all coax connections and pigtails. I recommend a combination of high quality tape, moldable coax sealing compounds, moisture displacement pastes and/or rubber boots.
When checking antennas, pay particular attention to feed points and matches. Antenna traps can be very susceptible to damage by ice if drainage holes become clogged or are incorrectly oriented (insects can aid this clogging with spider webs and wasp nests.) Beam antenna’s elements can often work themselves loose with the aid of wind, ice and perching birds. Failing to check for loose elements cannot only result in loss of antenna gain, but can also become a very dangerous spear as they fall to earth.
Get Outside; Enjoy the Weather and Operate Portable QRP.
Spring is a great time to put together a “field kit” so you can operate portable for an emergency or just for fun. Contrary to the old saying, antennas put up when the weather is not lousy really do work. Use the spring and summer to experiment with and put up some killer antennas, because you know the good-old days of winter operating are just around the corner!
Gloom
and doom
Recently, at the Dayton Hamvention, I overheard two different conversations between two pairs of hams. The first pair was discussing the approaching sunspot minimum. With gloom and doom in their voices they commiserated about the lean days ahead for DX. One even said, “I probably should sell off most of my HF equipment before the used prices fall too far.”
The second pair of hams were seasoned DXers, you know the type, Top of the Honor Rollers. Again the topic was full of gloom and doom. The first one said, “there is not much reason for me to get on the air anymore. I have them all confirmed except three. Those damn islands have not been on the air in years and probably will not be on soon if ever again.” His friend replied, “You can say that again. All there is to do is read the DX tips sheets and watch the DX Cluster. Turning on the radio is a total waste of time!”
What’s
wrong here?
First,
Amateur Radio is supposed to be fun. Second, our speakers talk as if
they have
done everything there is to do in ham radio when in fact they are
focusing on
only a very narrow niche. When their focus is only on a narrow niche it
does
appear that they have done everything there is to do. But,
magically the
whole picture changes if we only take a short step back and look again.
With
our view no longer confined to a very narrow point, we quickly see a
vast
number of new things. It then quickly becomes clear that there are
still many
things to do and goals to accomplish.
" I can see
clearly now..."
The first is to try something new. Try a new operating mode, a new band, a new operating style (QRP, contesting, DXing, etc.), a new activity (home brewing, kit building, restoring boat anchors, fox hunting, APRS, etc.), a new public service (ARES, RACES, traffic handling, etc.) or a new ancillary activity (teaching ham classes, elmering, radio club officer, ARRL appointment, writing articles, etc.). There are many new possibilities and I hope you try many of them. In fact, many of you may have ended up here by deciding to try that QRP thing after burning out with QRO.
The second path is to expand on something you already enjoy but with new goals and enthusiasm. I will describe this second path as filling in the holes.
Filling In the
Holes
Let’s use those seasoned DXers as our first example of filling in the holes. Sure, he has almost all of them worked and confirmed, but probably not on all bands or modes! So a very easy way to renew the enthusiasm of the DX hunt for a new one is to add new bands and/or modes for the ones he already has. Now with a new challenge at hand, there is a good reason to turn on that radio.
Computerized logging makes it easy
to know what DX
band/mode entities are needed. For information on computerized logging
and
software that can benefit the QRPer, you may want to read my ARRL Web
column:
Software
for the QRP Shack.*
Surprisingly to
many, even a modest
vertical antenna (I use a Butternut HF2V) on a small suburban lot can
allow the
QRPer to work both 80 and 160 meters. So give the lowest bands a try.
You will
probably have much better luck communicating with your QRP signal
during the
lower atmospheric noise seasons of late autumn through early spring. So
now,
during the summer months, is the time to plant some antennas for low
band use
this fall. I also have a recent article on the web:
Low Power Visits the
Low Bands.*
In addition to DXing, there are plenty of other opportunities to fill in the blanks. One of the most common and accessable is QRP WAS on multiple bands. A little planning and scheduling can pay big dividends when filling in the holes in WAS. State QSO Parties are a good source of both states and counties within those states. Field Day is another good opportunity to rack up the states, operate QRP from the field and prepare for emergency communications all in one event. ARRL’s Sweepstakes contests (CW and SSB) in November are also excellent times to work states. Being scheduled in late fall, this is also an especially good time to work states on 80 and 160 meters. In fact, I am hoping to complete my own 80M QRP WAS this fall.
Worked all states and need another challenge? QRP USA-CA (worked all USA Counties Award) requires confirmed QSOs with all 3076 US counties. This award can keep even a busy QRPer occupied for a while!
With all this talk of awards, don’t forget to checkout the excellent awards offered by our QRP-ARCI.
Until next time, why not try filling in some holes. I think you will have a very good time.
“Wisdom is like electricity. There is no permanently wise man, but men capable of wisdom, who, being put into certain company, or other favorable conditions, become wise for a short time, as glasses rubbed acquire electric power for a while.”-- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
The key to knowledge is the challenge to accomplish results. In my day job, I often teach people to use complex software programs with hundreds of features. Unfortunately, some of my trainees think I can open their skulls, pour in my accumulated knowledge and they will walk away as experts in using the software. I find that most people, including myself, are much more successful in learning when one of two situations occur-- they have a project that needs to be done or they are required to teach others.
If you want to learn how to do something, having a project that you are passionate about greatly enhances the learning process. Even more effective is teaching the skill to your peers.
Learning in a Vacuum
Many of you may remember the hours you put into studying to pass or upgrade your license. Most of us also realize how much of that “knowledge“ vanished from our brains, starting even as we left the testing center.
The concept of “Incentive Licensing” has already been debated ad nauseam. Whether you loved or hated it, one thing was very clear—studying material to pass a test had very little lasting effect. Now let’s take something you really wanted to do in amateur radio and we see a much greater retention of the material you learned to accomplish your goal.
My Challenges for You
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to challenge you to:
1. Learn Something New
2. Share Your Knowledge
I have some ideas to get you started.
Learn Something New
The best way is to first identify a new ham radio activity or skill you would like to try: I’ve mentioned many examples in my previous columns (try a new operating mode or band, build a rig or accessory, experiment with new antenna designs, prepare yourself for emergency communication by taking the ARRL course, etc.)
You can further enhance the project and your learning by working together with a group of hams.
Share the Knowledge
In the “olden days” there were really only two ways to share the knowledge— in person or by writing for magazines or books. Today, the Internet has provided a third, highly accessible, means.
· Elmering- One of the greatest gifts a ham can give back to the hobby is to act as an Elmer.
·
Teaching a Licensing Class-
Be a public speaker. Provide programs for local organizations and/or put on public demonstrations of Amateur Radio for fairs, schools, etc.
·
Writing-
Write articles for your local radio club’s newsletter or for a ham radio magazine (Especially our own QQ).
·
Publish
Writing a book and getting it published was once a fairly difficult task but with today’s software and duplication equipment, a self-published soft cover book or booklet is quite a viable endeavor.
·
Create a Web Page
You may have heard that web sites are expensive, hard to maintain and require learning all that HTML stuff. The good news is that these are all myths (usually put out by people who want to impress you with their own web site or want to charge you to design and build your site,)
You can create a site for free thanks to Alan L Waller, K3TKJ and his free hosting of ham radio web sites at http://www.qsl.net. He got myself and many, many others started in producing our first web sites. Alan's work is a real gift to the ham community. To learn more, stop by http://www.qsl.net. Then start your own ham radio website and make a donation to help support his fine efforts.
If your site outgrows QSL.net, you can find hosting companies that will host your website and even let you register your own domain (i.e. www.yoursite.com) Rates starting at under $7 a month are easy to find. Do a web search for web site hosting. There are also other “free” site hosting offers but most carry advertising on your pages and require you to use their domain (i.e. www.geocities.com).
Creating Web Pages
No need to know HTML coding to build your first site. If you can word process, you can build a web page. Free, easy to use, WYSIWG software called Composer is available from www.mozilla.org. I built all the pages on my site using Composer. If you want to create more complex pages, Macromedia and Adobe make excellent (but not inexpensive) software called Dream Weaver and Go Live respectively. The learning curve can also be fairly steep on both of these products. A very popular in-between product from Microsoft is Front Page (personally not my favorite as it often uses proprietary coding schemes and results in “bloated code”.) Try the free Composer first and save yourself the time invested in the steep learning curve and some cash.
Content, Content, Content
The main reason that I suggest that you keep the page creation simple is so you can concentrate on the content. If location is everything in real estate, content is everything in getting return visitors to your web site. If you build it and it provides users with information they can use, they will come! If you want them to return, make sure you keep content up to date, useful and dynamic (adding new content frequently.)
Five basic content varieties include: links to other sites, original content, content from other sources, databases and interactive forms.
Links to Other Sites
Links are a way to direct users to helpful information at other web sites. Successful linking is dependent on selecting and grouping helpful sites. You need to visit sites you plan on linking to and evaluate each site’s content. Ask yourself the following questions:
· Is the information accurate and kept up to date?
· Does it fit in with other sites you are linking to?
· Does it provide important information for a visitor to your site?
· Is the content already well represented in your other links?
· Does it fill a void in information lacking in your other links
Finally, frequently check the links from your page to make sure they are not “broken” (is the other site still online, is the address still correct, and is the content still relevant?)
Original Content
Links are good, but what if everyone had web sites full of links to other sites and no content of their own? That would be like everyone listening and no one calling CQ, resulting in no QSOs. Original content does not have to be prize-winning prose. Examples of content can be: simple lists of information, equipment photos, illustrations or schematics, the step by step description of how you solved a problem, built a better mouse trap, successfully modified a piece of equipment, descriptions of antenna projects, etc.
You didn’t invent the resistor
color code but
having a handy copy on your web site can be very useful for someone who
has
forgotten whatever little mnemonic device they used to learn the color
values.
Do you have a friend who has plenty of information to share with the
QRP
community but doesn’t want to create their own web site? Your local ham
radio
club’s newsletter editor might have plenty of content to share.
Don’t forget about information/instructions for older equipment that many users may no longer have manuals for. Whenever you use content from others, make sure you obey all appropriate copyright laws. If you would like to reproduce material from another person’s web site instead of linking to it, contact the owner for written permission to use the material (this also includes photos and illustrations.)
Databases
Databases are collections of information in a user searchable format. Callbooks, QSL Managers and Online Log Books are some examples of popular databases on Amateur Radio web sites. Uploading of new data may be automated (daily download from FCC ULS) or manual (the web master has to upload new information or databases). In some cases, user input is possible (a common example is the ubiquitous online opinion polls). Databases usually require more sophisticated coding then your average content page. Those with programming experience can often easily make the jump. Fortunately for the rest of us, many of the higher end webs designing packages have the ability to build interactive or database pages or we can acquire turnkey online database systems.
Interactive Forms
Similar to databases, interactive forms allow the page users to add or exchange information with the page owner or other users. One simple example is “Guest Books”. Online forums allow users to post questions and answers to each other and other page visitors. Even simple guest books can be adapted to other tasks. Last year when my local radio club ran a year long special event call sign for the Ohio Bicentennial (KO8HIO), we needed any easy way to know when someone else was using the call sign and what band they were using. Stations would leave a guest book entry stating starting time and band before transmitting. Before beginning operation, each station would check the online guest book to see if the call sign was in use. When an operator was finished, he would enter QRT or QSY information in the guest book.
Again, there are ready to use interactive coding page examples - or scripts - as they are known. You can check my web site for links to sources of free or inexpensive scripts.
Web Site Style and Design
Your can let your imagination go wild with colors and graphics when designing your own web page. Unfortunately, a lot of the resulting pages can be hard on the eyes, difficult to read or very slow to load.
I could fill the entire QQ with design suggestions (fortunately my editor will not let that happen.) My suggestion is to visit a number of web sites and find examples of styles that are easy on the eyes, easy to read, aesthetically pleasing and fast loading.
My top five suggestions are:
1. Use page and text colors that work well together
2. Avoid using excessive or difficult to read fonts
3. Control page layout by using tables and/or frames
4. Avoid pages that require the user to scroll right or left when reading
5. Optimize file size, resolution and quantity of graphics to avoid slow loading pages.
Static is Bad
Always remember, you are writing a
web page not a
book, so there is no final copy. Web sites should always take advantage
of
their strongest point - flexibility. Revise, correct, update and add
content
frequently!
Too Many QRP Radios, Too Many Wires, Too Many Connectors and Too Little Time!
After 23 years as a ham, the confluence of a number of my character traits has contributed to an ongoing problem. I am sure that many of my fellow QRPers might have many or all of these traits:
· Gathering and hoarding all things electronic
· Addiction to Hamfesting
· Can never pass up a good deal or trade for a QRP radio
· Uncontrollable urge to try out any new commercial QRP radio
· Enjoy the smell of melting solder while assembling the latest QRP radio kit.
· Thrilled with the chase of more QSOs (compounded by DXing and Contesting)
Throw in a little ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), an uncontrollable need to multitask and too little time and my problem is complete. I have acquired too many QRP radios and I want to be able to operate them all with minimal hassle and setup time when switching from one to another.Setting Up a Radio to Operate
You know the drill:
1. Connect the power supply (oops, need a different connector!)
2. Disconnect your key(er) from last radio and plug into new radio (oops, I need an adapter from ¼ ” to RCA plug!)
3. Disconnect your headphones from last radio and plug into new radio (oops, I need an adapter from 1/8” to ¼” plug!)
4. Disconnect your antenna coax from last radio and connect new radio (oops, I need an PL-259 to BNC adapter!)
5. Don’t forget your favorite accessories- outboard AF filter, PSK-31 interface, voice keyer, etc. and of course the required adapters!
Cat to the Rescue
We are not talking about Fluffy, Kitty, Felix, Garfield, Sylvester, Fritz, Catbert or any other famous feline (www.citizenlunchbox.com/famous/cats.html). We are talking about Cat-5 also known as Category-5 network cable. Cat-5 is ubiquitous, inexpensive and easy to work with. An inexpensive crimper and cable ends result in easy termination or you can buy pre-made cables with attached ends. The other main component is an inexpensive RJ45 4-way computer switch box for Cat-5 cables.
Wiring the Cables
The idea is to make a Cat-5 cable for each different radio in your collection. Each cable has a RJ-45 connector on one end and various connectors that match the radio on the other end. If you do not want to invest in a cable crimper, simply buy pre-made cables twice the desired length then cut in the middle to make two cables with one end terminated in a RJ-45.
Once you have your terminated cables, you need to collect and install the appropriate connectors for the specific radio. Connections will include audio out (headphone jack), audio in / push to talk (microphone jack) and key(er) (keying jack). To make things easier, the color codes of the wire pairs of the Cat-5 cable are used to identify each connection. Use your rig’s wiring diagram to determine pin outs of the connectors to the radio. Before soldering on the connectors, use heat shrink tubing, wiring spaghetti or small diameter clear vinyl hose to group the wires for each connector together.
|
RJ-45 Pin # |
Wire Color |
Connection |
|
1 |
<>White/ Orange |
Microphone Audio |
|
2 |
Orange |
Microphone Ground |
|
3 |
White/ Green |
Push to Talk |
|
4 |
Blue |
<>Keyer
<>Dit |
|
5 |
White/ Blue |
Keyer Dah |
|
6 |
Green |
<>Keyer
<> <>Ground
|
|
7 |
<>White/ Brown |
Audio (headphone) |
|
8 |
Brown |
<>Audio Ground <>(headphone)
|
Preparing the Switch Case
The main construction portions of this project are the additions to the RJ45 4-way computer switch box. These additions will allow us to connect the necessary accessories to the selected radio via the switch box.
The layout will vary from user to user depending on desired connection and equipment types. Typical connectors include: ¼” and/or 1/8 “ stereo jacks for keyer, headphones, speakers and PSK-31 and other sound card interfaces; round microphone jacks for each brand of mic you would like to use or square modular jacks for newer microphones; DIN connectors for multimode controls or TNCs; coaxial power connector and on/off switch for supplying 5 volt DC to some microphones.
I used Visio* software from Microsoft to design the case layout. I created panel labels and drilling guides using the software. If the front panel is crowded with number of connectors you can move or add connectors to the side or rear panels of the case. The drilling guide was temporarily attached to the case using rubber cement. All holes were center punched then drilled using a Unibit step drill bit. Alternatively, if you have them, you can use chassis punches for an easier and neater job. If you need square holes the job becomes a little more difficult but can be accomplished by first drilling a round hole then filing and/or using a saber saw with metal cutting blade.
Once all the holes are completed, remove the paper drilling guide and use a file to smooth sharp edges. Print the panel labels on heavy paper stock in your chose of color(s). Cover the paper labels with clear contact paper or if you have access to a laminator, laminate the labels. Apply the panel labels with adhesive (I have used the 3-M spray-on adhesive, but you can use a variety of adhesives). After adhesive has dried, use a sharp bladed knife to cut out the label materials covering the holes in the case.
Mount the connector hardware in the holes (microphone jacks, ¼ jacks, etc.). Depending on the connectors used and tight spaces in the case, it might be easier to solder small lengths of hook-up wire on the connectors before mounting them in the case.
Wiring the Case
Everything is wired to one of eight common connection points (buses). An easy way to accomplish this is by using prototyping grid perfboard with one row of holes for each of the eight connecting points. Decide on the number of connections needed, then trim the perfboard to fit in the case. Label the rows of holes 1 through 8.
Working with one wire at a time to avoid mixing them up, cut the wires going from the switch to the RJ-45 jack labeled I/O or Common. Solder both of the cut ends of each wire to the row of holes in the perfboard being used for that numbered connection. Repeat with the remaining 7 wires.
Using hookup wire from the connectors (microphone, headphone, keyer, TNC, Rigblaster, PTT foot switch etc.) solder to the appropriate rows 1 through 8.
<>When you are done soldering the wires from the connectors, use a VOM to test all connections. Make sure the correct pins of each connector have been connected to the proper bus. After everything checks out, you can mount the perfboard to the case with a spare computer standoff bolt.Other Connections
So far we have not addressed two important connections to our rigs--antenna and power. Fortunately, a number of off the shelf products you may already own address these needs. Antenna switches have been around for a long time. In making your choice, look for a high quality switch with maximum isolation between the individual inputs and outputs.
I had long ago standardized the ends of all my power cables with Anderson Power Pole connectors. Now that many ARES/RACES groups have chosen the Anderson connectors as their standards, I can definitely recommend them to all hams. New power distribution boxes with Anderson Power Pole outlets make it easy to connect all of your radios to a suitable power source
Using Your Cat-nection
I would suggest a few operating tips to prevent problems and or possible damage to your equipment:
1. Power all radios off before switching the Cat-nection box.
2. Power up the desired radio after switching has been completed.
3. Use care in the placement of spare microphones and keys to prevent accidental keying by contact with clutter on your desk. One suggestion is a small wooden stand with hooks for all the microphones not in use.
4. Grounds are used for multiple purposes; if you encounter “ground loops” try switching to a different ground wire from the set for that connector.
5. Devise a “reminder” to be sure you have switched the antennas to the new rig before keying it. Gimmicks could include a hanging badge or marker on one of knobs of the rig with the live antenna connection. You can use a small cover for the power switch on all radios that is removed only when the antenna has been attached and then replaced when the antenna is disconnected. Of course you could get even more sophisticated with an antenna switching relay system wired into the Cat-nection switch. As a minimum, get used to always listening for stations on the band before tuning or transmitting.
6. Clearly label all radio specific Cat-5 cables with the name of the radio.
7. If four radios connected at one time is not enough to support your collection of rigs, you can quickly switch cables at the RJ-45 jacks
Modify to Your Needs
I have described a simple rig connection switch; you can modify or add to the design to meet your needs. Possible additions could include a built-in volume level control for headphones; an integrated audio amplifier to drive speakers, opto isolators or isolation transformers to prevent possible voltage spikes and or ground loops. You can add a regulated 5-volt DC supply for microphones requiring power and even a built in keyer for your rigs that do not have an internal one.
If you need connections to special devises, remember you can make custom outgoing cables to plug into the RJ-45 jack labeled I/O which is connected into all 8 buses.
* I will post the Visio file of my panel layout on my web site. You can download and modify it for your needs. To edit the document, you will need a copy of Visio. Fortunately you can download a free 30-day trail version of Visio from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/office/visio/prodinfo/trial.mspx
Top
Secret:
for QRPers Only
I am going to share a few secrets with you, but you have to promise not to share them with the QRO crowd. So place your hand on the Altoids tin and swear “I will not share anything read here with non-QRPers.”
Why is this column top
secret? Well, I am going to tell you some ways that you can
successfully
compete with the kilowatters in getting contacts. If these were to fall
into
the wrong hands, you might not stand a chance in that next pile-up.
Following are some tips that
have worked for me and other QRPers over the years. Sometimes you might
use
just one, other times you may find combining two or more brings
success. The
tips are divided into three main groups.
1)
Timing-
·
Be There First Probably
the most effective technique for making contacts is to be the
first station to hear and then be heard by the target station. The way
to do
this is spend quality listening time on the right bands at the right
time (plus
luck).
·
Be The Only One
There Even rare DX
stations or busy contesting stations
have slower periods. Your task is to be there then. When exactly are
these
times: the last portion of a contest, just when the band is beginning
to open
or close, when a station has just QSYed, when a contest station is
fighting
another station for the frequency and the random times (found by
listening over
a long period of time for just that right minute.)
·
Get in the
Rhythm Time
your
response so you are heard in the crowd. Techniques can include: quickly
sending
your call, delayed calling, tail ending, varying the number of times
you repeat
your call, varied pacing and emphasis. Listen to see what rhythm the
successful
stations are using, and then follow suit
2)
Be Heard Above the
Din-
Being The
Loudest Station is usually
difficult when other stations are running 200 times your power, so you
need to
use your signal effectively. This is where having good antennas with
high gain
aimed at the target can help.
·
Make Sure Your
Signal “Sounds Good” CW- make sure your keying waveform is optimal with
no key clicks.
Use a quality keyer with paddles/keyboard and make sure they are
adjusted
properly. Use good spacing and character weighting. Match your speed to
the
other station’s sending. Phone- use an effective microphone. DXing or
Contesting mic elements place emphasis on a specific range of
frequencies that
can make your signal stand out. Use speech processing properly and/or
sparingly.
·
Be On the Right
Frequency Learn how
to zero beat the other station’s signal. Sometimes you need to be on a
different frequency than that of the target station. Listen to the
stations
that are being worked and zero beat them instead, then use your RIT to
listen
to the target station. You can try varying your frequency slightly
above or
below the crowd to make your signal stand out.
·
Speak the
Language of Your Target Learn a
few key words and numbers in the
native language of the operator
you are trying to work. http://www.k8zt.com/racg/racg.html.