North Texas ARRL members Vote for Steven Lott Smith KG5VK as the new Section Manager

News Flash !   (February 19,2019)

Fellow North Texas ARRL members voted me into office as the next ARRL NTX Section Manager !

A big Thank You to each and every one that Voted, 
not just those that voted for me personally, 
but everyone that took a few minutes to mark their Ballot and get it in the mail !

I am very thankful that I won the confidence of the majority of my fellow North Texas ARRL members and you have given me a chance to work for you !!!

Even though, I do not take office tell the First of April, 2019
I am hitting the ground running, answering phone calls, email and text messages

Please, if I do not answer the phone...
leave a short message with a topic, or at least your call sign and phone number.

This will allow me to get back to you with the info you need and not have to call you back after I research the solutions or answers to your question(s)

This simply helps me, help more members faster and more efficiently.

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

KG5VK at ARRL dot Net
Tel 318-470-9806

Some of My Goals as your new ARRL North Texas Section Manager, if elected

• Fix a few things......
  
  
  1. The Broken or Incomplete Profiles on the http://ARRLNTX.org website
     
  2. The Broken NTX Feeds to the Division website  http://arrlwgd.org/sections
     
  3. More Active Communication from SM to members with a request that they provide feedback, emphasis on the routine of a Monthly Section News Letter
     
     
     
     
     • Create some new tools to promote Active communication
       
       
       1. Monthly Pod Casts
       2. Quarterly Emails, Pod Castings and / or Face Book postings of...
       State of The Section Reports
       
       
       • Education of members to the tools at hand to solve problems and communicate with the Section Manager and his Station level appointees
         aside from the ARRLNTX.org website for example use of the NTX Email reflector http://www.arrlntx.org/
         
       • Insure that fellow North Texans are aware of the many programs that are in place for our Section and Division members. Such as....
         
         
         1. Scholarships
         2. Encourage nominations to the Division Awards program for Young Ham of the Year, Ham of the Year etc.
         3. Seek Nominations for ARRL NTX Section Ham of the Year
            and provide the award to one of those nominated once a year per my term in office.
         4. ARRL special club of the year award for the club that recruits the greatest number of new ARRL members within the last 12 months
            I will obviously have to work out some details on this one so it is fair to lower populated clubs as well as large member clubs.
            
            
            
            •  Ensure that the ARRL Section Table is Manned on both Friday & Saturday at Cowtown & HamCom, not just Saturday
              
              These are just a few of the things that I want to do and see done better, others will come once in office if elected to serve
              
              Cheers!
              Steven Lott Smith
              KG5VK
              
              
              

My ARRL NTX Section Manager Campaign stop at The Garland Amateur Radio Club

Last night myself (KG5VK) and Ken KD2KW were at the Garland ARC meeting
we were invited by the GARC Club to introduce ourselves as the current Candidates for your Section Manager (ARRL NTX) and take questions from the members.

We received many great questions !

One question I had for the members was...

When was the last time a North Texas ARRL member was awarded Ham of The Year ?

Unfortunately,  no one could recall
To me that means it has been way to long ago and I expressed that
Maybe it is because none of the recent SM's have asked the members to nominate someone ???
I found nothing on this in the current NTX section searches I did,
why, could be many reasons.

I do plan on if elected to seek Nominations for a section Ham of the year from our section

and award one accordingly each year I am in office, if elected.

I also encourage members of North Texas to submit a nomination to our Division

This is easily done by following the instructions found at the following link...
http://arrlwgd.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WGD-Awards-Full-Nominating-Package.pdf
We have Many deserving Hams in our section that have been over looked for far too long !

I have another question for those reading this..........

Can you name Ten great things that have happened in our Section in the last year and a half ?
Now how many of those things were generated at the Section manager level ????
Regardless of the answer, those numbers (both of those answers) needs to be much higher 

and that is but One of my goals if elected as your Section Manager

As always you can contact me with questions via email
KG5VK@ARRL.net
Tele 318-470-9806

Cheers!
Steve

KG5VK

My Campaign Journey for ARRL Section Manager

When I decided to run as the new Section Manager for the North Texas Section of the ARRL
I was faced with the question of how do I get the word out to the Forty Four Thousand plus fellow North Texas ARRL members

My Game plan became to do a small limited Mail out to approximately a fourth of the members,
The first week of this month One Thousand Letters were mailed
both letting members know who I am and why I am running as well as asking for their Vote.

I wish I could have mailed a letter to every member in North Texas
but my budget could not support that.

How to spread the word to an even wider audience?
I decided to give Jason KC5HWB of Ham Radio 2.0 a call
and I asked if he could help spread the word that there was actually an Election this year
for a new NTX section manager

He agreed and was all in, and in fact did an interview a few days later with Jay Urish the current SM
and this past week-end did an interview of both myself and Ken KD2KW the other Candidate

I received a lot of emails and even a few phone calls after that interview.
Every one of those contacts were positive and several had some great ideas on how to improve our section.

We have 68 counties in the North Texas ARRL Section
it is a big area and I will need lots of help, to make our section a roll model for other sections.
So keep the ideas and phone calls coming !

Telephone 318-470-9806
Email KG5VK@ARRL.net
I can also be reached on FB & Messenger
My FB ID is Steven Lott Smith KG5VK

Here are the links to the interviews that Jason of Ham Radio 2.0 did.........

Jason's Interview with Jay Urish W5GM our current Section manager

Interview with 2019 Candidates of North Texas Section by Jason of Ham Radio 2.0

The Closing Statements from the Interview of Candidates

You will be receiving Section manager Ballots from the ARRL
soon, please educate yourself on both Candidates and Vote
for who you feel will do the most work for all ARRL members in North Texas

I hit the ground on this campaign with a sprint to get the word out
Before the first of the year I attended two Amateur Radio Club Christmas parties
one in Paris Texas (RRVARC) and one in Atlanta, Texas (LETARS)

Then it was the RRVARC club meeting (Paris, TX),  The MJARS club meeting (Atlanta, TX),
Ham Radio 2.0 Interview at the Hunt County EOC in Hurst, Texas  and The Dallas Amateur Radio Club DARC meeting  Tuesday the 8th of January.
Tonight I will be at the MARS Club meeting in Carrollton, Texas

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

A good friend asked me today why I want to be the ARRL Section Manager for North Texas

A good friend of mine asked me, 

why I want to be the Section manager of North Texas

Do you know who our current station appointees are ? ( I did not, until recently)
Are they doing a great job ?

Have you told the current Section Manager that they are doing an Excellent job ?

My phone number is 318-470-9806 my Email address is KG5VK@arrl.net
I am available for you to call and chat with, now and in the future
 

Are you in need of help with something in your station, you read the book and are still struggling to find the answer ?

Are you struggling to find someone to help you put up an antenna, call me 318-470-9806
I recently traveled to Howe Texas to put up two antennas for a fellow Ham (K5FO Jay) that I did not even know (does this mean I will personally put up everyone's antennas of course not, but I will certainly make every effort I can to muster help)

I have always been able to motivate from within, by giving fellow Hams inspiration and courage to tackle the task at hand.
I motivate in a positive manner thru Education.
We need more education in all aspects of our hobby
Why should we learn proper phonetics?
I live in an HOA, how can I get on the air?
Do you have a license and have yet to get on the air?

I may not know the answer to every thing, but I can find the person that does know and we can all learn from that.
I have a track record of Motivating others through my passion and enthusiasm

Please call or email me now, if the line is busy as they say please leave a message or drop me that email and I will get back to you ASAP
I want to earn your vote!

Steve
KG5VK

I am seeking the position of ARRL Section Manager for North Texas

Following the recent announcement by Jay Urish that he is not accepting another term as our SM for NTX and now that I am again retired, I am seeking the position.

For those that would like to know a bit more about me...

KG5VK 
Steven Lott Smith

Born Miami Florida September 1955

First Licensed in 1972 as WN0FOI
Graduate of Parkway High School Manchester Missouri 1974 (But I’m class of 75)
Entered Active Duty with The United States Air Force September 1974
Met my Wife who is from North Texas, while we were both stationed in California
We lived in West Texas from 1981 - 1985 (Dyess AFB)
During that time, I was twice president of the Key City Amateur Radio Club in Abilene, Texas.
Following that assignment we were at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, where I was the President of the Shreveport Amateur Radio Association for 3 years consecutively and two more years later on.
I served in Desert Shield / Storm from December of 1990, through March of 1991 with the 801 Bomb Wing (B-52's)
Retired from the USAF October 1st 1993 and started a Professional Photography Business (Lott's Photo), continued that line of work and also began teaching photography at Bossier Parish Community College in 2001 to late 2014
In 2015 My wife and I moved from Louisiana to North Texas
In 2016 I started work at Main Trading Co. Paris, Texas.
I just retired again and want to spend time supporting fellow North Texas ARRL members with communication to the ARRL.
I greatly look forward to hearing your concerns and accolades on what the league can and has done, for you my fellow ARRL members as well as recruiting new ARRL members.
Many of you have probably seen one or more of the many presentations I have given on a wide range of topics at Ham Com over the past 6 years.
I pledge to be Transparent and available to your communications
KG5VK@ARRL.net

Your Candidate for North Texas Section Manager

Steven Lott Smith
KG5VK

ARRL SS Phone 2018 at my QTH in North Texas

Guest OPS
at
KG5VK

K5PS Scott

Victor WB0TEV

With the extraordinary help of  Scott & Victor

We managed a very respectful entry in this years running of the ARRL SS Phone Contest from my modest shack and even more modest and still maturing antenna farm.

With only three OPS, we had a lot of Butt In the chair time, however we managed to have some fun as well !

With a tad over 4 hours left before the end of the contest tonight, were nudging at over 900 Q's

we managed a sweep first thing Sunday morning on Twenty meters when VO1YY answered my CQ SS Call - What a Thrill !

I will follow-up with another post of the results and try and add some pixs of my very modest atnenna farm

Cheers!
Steve

KG5VK

Rain, Rain and yes More Rain and a few other topics for the post...

Wow !

Have we had enough rain for the the last 30 days or what !
Hard to get anything done outside, it is so wet
Sure would be nice if we had a break and allowed the ground to get a little dry for a change
I guess it's better than a drought :)

Mean while on the health side of things........
Finally relief from my neck pain
Been to see the Nero Surgical guys again and got the second (other side of the Neck)
worked on and I have feeling great again !
It is so nice to now just have the occasional headache, versus the dehabilitating pain I was constantly having.

Go a bit more work done on the antenna Farm (Ham Radio)
even though it is so wet we need hip wanders (wel almost that bad)
I managed to get out on the tractor on the back 18 acres and found that the 80 meter Rhombic is down
Broken pulley allowed the fed point end to fall from the pole

Mean while here is the current antenna Inventory

6 el 20 m monobander
4 el 40m Four Square vertical array
80/160 meter Vertical
8 el wire Sturba Curtain Array (works good on 80 thru ten meters)

2 el Hex Beam for 10/15/20m
80 meter Full size Rhombic (out of commission for now)

Two low band Receive arrays: 

One is the 9 ele YCCC Low band Receive array 

Second is a 3el Hi-Z vertical Array

The 20m OWA M2 is still only at 26 feet above the ground,
which will probably work great for ARRL SS Next week-end
But sure looks way too close to the ground when you see it
Heck the boom is Sixty feet long, so it is barely a third as high as the boom is long !
Goal is to have it at 130 feet on the Tic Ring Rotor, eventually

The 40 m Four square is working great towards the North East
but else where it is only fair....
So I waded out in the water the other day and inspected it
Two of the feed points are broken, hogs chewed on them !!!
Yes we have wild Feral Hogs in these parts of Texas

I still need to get the 80m Four square built
of course priority is to get the 150 feet of Rohn 55g up

Meanwhile I bought an MFJ 1846 antenna (2 ele Hex beam or CobWeb 6 thru 20m)
got it assembled in the cold wx yesterday
plan on putting her up if the rain stops later today
for now she will goon a tilt over pole at about 30 feet
and will be fixed towards West Coast as the 20m monoband is currently fixed towards the East Coast
Long term plans are to have this 2el antenna stay below 30 feet but rotator added

I need to do some work on the 9el YCCC Low Band Receive array
lots of lightning last week and I think I lost several preamps at the base of the verticals
yupp more boards to build and replace !
This antenna system (YCCC Vert Array) requires a lot on maintenance but when she works she is worth it !

Decided I needed to stay close to home for several reasons and not trek to Louisiana for the anual
Multiop get together for ARRL SS Phone, I hope the team does great at W5WZ's QTH this year

Since I am home for ARRL SS Phone, I decided we need to see if a couple of the local guys want to come play....

So far I have two OPS coming
I am greatly looking forward to hoisting an ARRL team again
last time was in Louisiana way back in 2013

Never would have thought it had been that long, but I looked it up
on the http://3830scores.com/ website

I am looking forward to getting to know the guys that are coming over to play
Hope we are able to post a respectable score, Top ten would be nice
but mainly want the ops to have fun and look fwd to coming back again

That's it for now!
Still raining

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

September is Here...

While I have been undergoing a lot of pain from a neck injury I sustained many many years ago
I am still staying very busy

Between working at MTC (Yes the Ham Radio Candy Store in Paris Texas)
and maintaining 57 acres of land

I now have my 150 feet of Rohn 55G assembled and ready for the crane to come lift it in place
just need to add some finishing touches on the 4 Element 40 Meter beam She will be mounted at 155 feet.

The Big 6 el 20 Meter OWA yagi is ready to be hoisted up and placed on the TIC Ring Rotor which will be at 130 feet.

Been a long time since I took my last tower down at the old QTH in Louisiana
and I am looking forward to once again having a commanding signal into EU and JA
during the DX contests and Expeditions

Currently I am only 4 away from DXCC Honor Roll
anxious to get there but as KR5D says enjoy the journey,  I am :)

Steve
KG5VK

Enjoyed the limited amount of Time I got to play in WRTC this year

Only 9 hours of Butt in the Chair
20m Beam only at 24 feet
40m Four Square
43 foot vertical for 80M
Had Fun !
Steve KG5VK

Software Tools for Today's DX OP by Steven Lott smith Presented at HamCom 2018

Here is the Link to the PP File that I used in my Presentation at HamCom 2018

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1h2yLaOqXz4eNCR2jRbdCIZcmdeVbNaiyuaKQ3nfRXy0/edit?usp=sharing

Any feedback is welcome

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

Friends Meet at Dayton 2018

K8KI  &  KG5VK

Bob and I first met while we were serving in the United States Air Force, back in 1979
We have stayed in touch and seen each other at a few Ham Fest over the Years at Dayton.
I had been absent from Dayton for the last 8 years. it was great to run into Bob in the Flea Market Saturday afternoon.

2018 Dayton here I come !!!

Looking forward to another long over do trip to Dayton Ham Fest
I also signed up for the DX Dinner as well as Contest University.
I ave been neglect in posting the the Ole Sundown DX Association Blog
let's see if I can start posting now that Spring is around the corner :)
By the way if your an ARRL member, and if not why not !!!
Check out page 125 of the March QST.....
How about that guy in the Red ICOM Shirt and next to me is my better half.
I am off from the shop here at MTC tomorrow to sleep in and get ready for some major Butt in the Chair time for this week-end's edition of the ARRL Phone DX Contest
Lately most of my Q's have been either FT8 or CW.....

Cheers!    Steve

QUICK MSK144 and JT9 Fast Modes Setup

QUICK MSK144 and JT9 Fast Modes Setup

Stud Mounts by BreedLove

Stud Mounts



https://www.breedlovemounts.com/stud-mounts.html

N1MM+ MACRO Cat commands to FTdx5000 with a DVS-6

Another way for sending voice messages is to use the optional DVS-6. 
With the macro {CAT1ASC PB0#;} 
in the N1MM F-keys you can send the 5 available voice messages.

also a Note from K3CT on this......

Make sure you check “Internal Radio Codec” in the Logger+ Audio, Playback tab. This will cause the program to send commands to the radio to switch between the MIC and radio codec. It should not be necessary to change radio menu items to perform this switching.

John, K3CT

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

A thought on the Mining WSPR transmissions

http://wsprnet.org/drupal/wsprnet/spots

Click on "Specify query parameters" and specify your callsign or callsign of a particular spotting station.

Copy the screen data to a text file then import the data into MS Excel (or equiv.) and plot like shown further on down on this webpage:

http://www.qsl.net/wb5wpa/EHantenna/EH_Mark_2_Vert/

A Presentation on DX LABS Suite Logging Software by KG5VK

click here to download my powerpoint presentation on DXlabsSuite

Any questions you are welcome to email me

LottsPhoto at Gmail  dot com

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

Setting Up Ve7CC User Filtering and use with N1MM+

http://kg5vk.com/Setting up ve7cc user Filtering.ppt

Clicking The above Link will down load a power point file I created on the topic KG5VK

My newest antenna at Area 57 aka 125 Contest Ln An 8el Sterba Curtain Array

It's just a wire antenna
But it has an estimated 8db of gain over a dipole
Mine is ladder line fed from a home made 9:1 Balun
It appears to work much better than my 20m ground mounted vertical that has 32 radials
Very few trees here and what we do have are short scrub brushes
So I installed two surplus Telephone poles

The LA QSO PArty is coming..........

LOUISIANA QSO PARTY March 18, 2017

14:00 UTC, March 18, 2017 to 02:00 UTC, March 19, 2017 

(Nine AM to nine PM CDT Saturday, March 18, 2017)

Sponsored by

LOUISIANA CONTEST CLUB

https://louisianacontestclub.org/

Louisiana Qso Party – March 18th 2017

A New Tool for Propagation forecasting

http://www.predtest.uk/index.html

Cheers!
steve
KG5VK

Work at Area 57 AKA 125 Contest lane begins on the holes for the Two Towers

Follow up 4 December 2016

Rented a very large CAT Backhoe with supposedly rock teeth
got a bit deeper on all the holes but the north Guy anchor needs to go Four more feet
yup I am in solid rock at only two feet down

Ordered a large SDS MAX Hammer Drill and a couple of bags of some stuff called DexPan
which is supposed to go in the drilled holes in the rock and twenty four hours later will have expanded enough to break the rock

We shall see if this works, at this point I have my doubts
and may need to move my Northern Guy anchor out fusrther and pary I don't hit another Vein of the same rock !

I guess this is my real welcome to North Texas :)

-------------------------------------------

Rented a small back hoe got most of the holes dug for the front tower Then at the front Guy anchor point I hit shale rock while only down 2 feet So now I am on hold to find a much bigger track hoe and or a jack hammer !!!                                       

Mean while I now have started on wiring for the
new Ham Shack building

I also received delivery of 8 utility poles that are
begging for my attention I plan on using these for
a large Rhombic antenna on the back 24 acres

All nine elements of the YCCC low band Receive
array are now up however the electronics are not
mounted as of now as they were getting destroyed
by lightning.
So I am building some rather large RF chokes to
go in parallel with some inexpensive lightning
arrestors I bought from Mouser Electronics

This image taken before I had all the elements up
wife like to call this one the Wagon Wheel

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

W4ZV's Pile Up buster Technique..........(For the K3 with cw skimmer)

KQ5S wrote I looked at this. The reason I want to use SKIMMER is to help locate where an OP is listening. By having my own SKIMMER I am able to see 599 or a call sign almost instantly and can click on the call or 599 and QSY to where it OP is listening (a little RIT helps to move off the exact frequency). The RBN only shows calls and there is the obvious internet latency. I am not sure this would work for my intended purposes.

That's exactly how I use Skimmer for pileup busting. You need the following: 1. K3 with KXV3 and KRX3. 2. LP-PAN ~$200...probably don't need the preamp option. 3. LP-Bridge free...allows running Skimmer and N1MM simultaneously 3. CW Skimmer software $75 4. A decent soundcard $100...see http://www.telepostinc.com/soundcards.html 5. P4 2.5 GHz computer...mine cost $90 on eBay.

You do NOT need: HamRadioDeluxe PowerSDR NaP3 (I haven't tried it but it's not necessary for what you described) CW Skimmer includes OmniRig which is all that's needed to drive the K3 directly (none of the above is needed).

The only limitation is that you're limited to 24 kHz bandwidth, which is a limit Alex VE3NEA imposes on the "Softrock on IF" mode. However I haven't found any pileups wider than 24 kHz! You do need to set the Sub RX on the DX station because Skimmer only sees IF OUT for Main and because the K3 always transmits on Main (VFO A).

The procedure is:

1. Tune in the DX station. If you prefer using the Main knob, double tap A>B to copy everything to the Sub RX. If you want to listen to the pileup and the DX station simultaneously you can set L-R MIX audio options in CONFIG. I use a Pileup Buster Macro to set everything up with a single button press.

2. Next set Main (VFO A) to the approximate center of the pileup. Skimmer will then see +/- 12 kHz around VFO A.

3. Listen to the DX station. When he answers N6KR, look for the "N6KR 599" decoder dot on the display.

4. Click the dot and you're ready to transmit.

I usually crank in ~50 Hz XIT so I'm not dead zero beat with others doing the same thing. :-)

Believe it or not, I've actually busted some huge pileups without even listening to them. One I recall vividly was the ST0R pileup on 160 in August. 73, Bill ---------------------

transmit and other Macros for the k3 with many thoughts and thanks to Alan K2ACK

K3

1 RAGCHEW TE+06+06+00+06+00+04+08+12;MN110;SWT12;SWH45;MN255;

2 DX TE+00+00+00-06+00+04+08+12;MN110;SWT13;SWH45;MN255;

3 VERYDX TE-06-06+00-06+00+04+08+12;MN110;SWT24;SWH45;MN255;

4 FLAT TE+00+00+00+00+00+00+00+00;MN110;SWT11;SWH45;MN255;

as found on the following website

Also see his Chaining of Macros discussion...

Thanks to Alana K2ACK for the posts at his site.

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

AGC settings for the K3 explained rather well...

http://www.w3fpr.com/K3_AGC.htmhttp://www.w3fpr.com/K3_AGC.htm

connectors for VXL5-50

connectors for VXL5-50

Excellent info from K9YC

click here

Propagation Tools a Presentation by KG5VK centered on ViewProp

Click here for the HTML version of my power point as Presented at the LCC (Louisiana Contest Club) meeting at the Shreveport Ham Fest this summer Any questions or comments may be directed to KG5VK at ARRL dot Net Cheers! Steve KG5VK

N3FJP's Amateur Radio Software

N3FJP's Amateur Radio Software



http://www.n3fjp.com/clubscore.html

W8TN's Ramblings: Building a K2AV FCP 160-M Antenna

W8TN's Ramblings: Building a K2AV FCP 160-M Antenna



This one has some excellent diagrams

FCP Info by DL2OBO - www.DM9EE.de

FCP Info by DL2OBO - www.DM9EE.de



Make sure you look at the Notes from Tom W8JI in this one

he makes some very good points,  just like he always does !

Bottom line is instead of folded radials FCP use short radials

made electrically longer with coils - however the difference is small

and as Tom said unless you really screw it up

These things just plain work !



Also the W0UCE.net page is broken



cheers!

Steve

W1UJ Folded Counterpoise (FCP) Project

W1UJ Folded Counterpoise (FCP) Project

Trouble shooting tips for the YCCC array

Did you check each of the 9 preamps? Disconnect all of the antenna feedlines from the combiner and reconnect each one to the CTR port, one at a time, and power up the system. (Leave the 2 delay lines connected). Note the signal level with the one antenna connected, using a local BCB station if you can tune there. Remove the feedline when you finish testing one preamp and then repeat the same test on the next antenna preamp. They should all have the same signal level. If one is down, you have another bad preamp. Next thing to check is the 9 RF chokes on the combiner board. These are fragile devices that can fail under excessive current. With DC power removed from the system, put an ohmmeter across each of the chokes. You should see 6 ohms +/-1 ohm. If you see an open circuit or a short circuit (close to zero ohms), you have a failed choke. Finally, in the switch box unit, test the RF choke in there with the ohmmeter. Also test each of the 12 diodes with an ohmmeter. Measure the resistance across each diode with the ohmmeter leads connected one way and then reversed. One of the ohmmeter connections should show much higher resistance than the other way. If it doesn’t you have a failed diode. Do you use your array in the summer? I disconnect all cables and feedlines from mine for the duration of the summer to avoid lightning damage. I learned this the hard way. Of course, it means I don’t operate 160 or 80 in the summer, so that’s the downside.

The official documentary video for WRTC2014 is now available!

The official documentary video for WRTC2014 is now available! The video was produced by James Brooks, 9V1YC, and runs approximately 59 minutes. James took advantage of 9 roving video teams to capture high definition footage of action at headquarters and out in the field, artfully telling the WRTC2014 story using the participants’ own words. View the video at: https://vimeo.com/119947598 Funding for video production was provided by a generous grant from the Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF).

Antenna Resistance a very good dicussion by W8JI

http://www.w8ji.com/radiation_resistance.htm

More from N4JTE This time Two pairs of phased Verticals, no it is not a true Four Square

Scroll down to where he says "Poor Man's Four Square" More from N4JTE This time a pair of 40m Phased verticals Not a Four Square but Two pair of separate Phased verticals

Phasing Short HF Vertical Antennas - The Clark County Amateur Radio Association, Springfield, OH

Phasing Short HF Vertical Antennas - The Clark County Amateur Radio Association, Springfield, OH

N4JTE Vertical Array - Phased Verticals on 40 Meters!

N4JTE Vertical Array - Phased Verticals on 40 Meters!

VA7ST.ca » Blog Archive » Phased 40M Wire Verticals

VA7ST.ca » Blog Archive » Phased 40M Wire Verticals

VA7ST Christman phasing calculator

VA7ST Christman phasing calculator

W8WWV gives us S-Meter Lite

http://nk7z.net/review-of-s-meter-lite/

DX-World.net Featured DXPeditions timeline

DX-World.net Featured DXPeditions timeline

AB0X and the KCDX Club offer a great pdf file on Receive antennas

AB0X Low Band Receive antennas for small lots.... Click Here Cheers! steve KG5VK

NK7Z very useful Blog

KF5EYY Tech site

http://kf5eyy.info/technical.htm

Optimize Windows for DXlabs Spot Collector

http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxlabwiki/OptimizeWindowsForSpotCollector

YCCC Articles Index Link

http://yccc.org/Articles/index.htm

An On Line Simple Air Coil Calculator mentioned in the Feb 2016 QSR Article by Ward Silver

Simple Air Coil Calculator
http://www.k7mem.com/Electronic_Notebook/inductors/coildsgn.html

The Impedance Matching designer link is here
http://home.sandiego.edu/~ekim/e194rfs01/jwmatcher/matcher2.html

Thanks to Ward for another great effective article

Cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

YCCC 9 element Low band Vertical RCV Array

Here is a very short Video of the performance of this array....

Note I have only finished 3 of the 9 elements
They are in a line N.E.  / S.W.
The control cable was only two lines for power, none for switching

So the only switching in this first use

is The Array (RX ANT) Versus the Transmit antenna (which is a long legged Vee Beam)
I will be posting more Videos of this very impressive antenna soon.

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

Vee Beam a simple wire antenna with very long legs

Vee Beam fed with Ladder line
Forground 3 el 17m beam being assembled

at

Area 57

Nearly end of the day at "Area 57"

Nearly End of The daylight Hours

at

"Area 57"

Finished up the roughed in plumbing and started hooking up a few appliances like a whirlpool tub
HVAC system will get installed in a couple of weeks

Tomorrow I spend a little more time perfecting the three elements of the 9 ele YCC low band receive array, while we have another day of sunshine here.

Mean while I just worked a new one on 80m cw
ES3AX  August in Estonia

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

40m Yagi Antennas CQ Contest

40m Yagi Antennas CQ Contest by Jay WX0B  make sure we notice the difference in TOA when the two antennas are 180 deg out of phase, prob an awesome tool for ARRL SS de steve KG5VK

AutoEZ: Transmission Lines - Tuners - Stacks - Stubs

AutoEZ: Transmission Lines - Tuners - Stacks - Stubs



Wow !!!  This is an awesome tool set !

I am far from a EZNEC Guru

but AutoEZ makes using the software so much easier AND Brings much more to the table
Like telling me where my stub should be placed in the line for harmonic suppression !
Very versatile tool !



Many thanks to Dan for developing this app !



Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

A tip for CW contesting.......

In ARRL SS CW many ops just send ss de their call
it is short , fast and efficient

However the Reverse Beacon Network will not spot you !!!

Butt, if you send Test de yourcall

You will quickly and accurately get spotted by the RVBN Robot

cheers!
Steve
KG5VK

Announced DX Operations

Announced DX Operations

Beverages by N0AX

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B50hZYOcfCiPNDB2Mm1ZdVBJZDA/view?usp=sharing

WRTC2018_WWQR_Award_HowToParticipate.pdf

WRTC2018_WWQR_Award_HowToParticipate.pdf

Comparison of Beverage antenna,magnetic loop antenna,and phased vertical receiving antennas

Comparison of Beverage antenna,magnetic loop antenna,and phased vertical receiving antennas

2004 Station Renovation | AA5AU

2004 Station Renovation | AA5AU

Antenna Modeling for Beginners

Antenna Modeling for Beginners

VOACAP DX Charts

VOACAP DX Charts

A30 Minute Phone contest On Tuesday Evenings in NA

Phone_Fray_Contest_Rules.pdf

This looks like fun !

A phone version of the weekly CW Test The SSB Fray....

I like where he is going with this
as the CWT have been fun the few I have entered
But I am def more of a phone op that a cw type :)

Cheers!
steve
 
The proposed rules for a weekly SSB event are listed below.  While the start date is TBD, please send me an email (NW2K@arrl.net) with comments/suggestions and let me know if you're inclined to participate.  Should be great for fast-paced NAQP practice and welcoming new contesters of all skill levels.
Thank you, 73, Dean, NW2K
------------------------------

--------------------------------------Phone Fray
The NCCC NS and CWops CWT are enjoyable and challenging weekday CW events.  The Phone Fray is a 30-minute weekday SSB event that is based on NAQP and NS.
Time
Wednesday, 0230-0300 UTC (Tuesday evening, in NA)
Bands
15, 20, 40, 80, 160
Suggested:  21275 to 21375, 14200 to 14275, 7125 to 7225, 3700 to 3790, 1845 to 1925
Power & Mode
100 watts, SSB
Exchange
Operator name and station location (S/P/C)
Multipliers
Per band.  50 US states, 13 Canadian provinces/territories (AB, BC, NL, MB, NB, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT) and other NA entities as defined by the ARRL DXCC List.  DC counts as MD.
Scoring
Multiply total valid contacts by the sum of the number of multipliers worked on each band.  Use the NAQP SSB module in your logging software.
Reporting
Post to 3830scores.com within 48 hours.  Scores will be accumlated at the Phone Fray website (TBD).
Divisions
    East (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, NY, NJ, DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, QC, NF, LB, NB, NS, PE, VP9, OX, FP, CY0, CY9, 4U)
    E. Central (MI, OH, WV, IL, IN, WI, KY, TN, AL, MS, ON)
    W. Central (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, OK, TX, AR, LA, MB, SK, NU)
    West (CA, AZ, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, UT, WY, AK, CO, NM, HI, AB, BC, NT, YT)
    South (Southern NA DXCC)
Competitions
Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn (approximately 10 weeks each).  Keep best 7 out of 10.  Prizes TBD.
Nominal Rules
Single op, no amps, no assistance, no logs.  When in doubt, check NAQP rules or email NW2K.  Special Frays will be held on occasion and may have different rules, which will be communicated in advance.
Version
0.1 May 18 2015, 0.2 July 7 2015, NW2K@arrl.net

KG5VK was W1AW/5 LA

What a really nice gift from the ARRL for taking time to offer W1AW/5 LA
from my station during the 100th year celebration last year !

CQ WW Contest Blog » Blog Archive » UT5UGR Log Padding in CQ WW

CQ WW Contest Blog » Blog Archive » UT5UGR Log Padding in CQ WW



I am glad to see The CQ sponsors demanding integrity in our sport !


It is sad that someone had to pursue the level of cheating they did.


But it is good to see the rules enforced !


Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

Why you might want to try an Amateur Radio Contest by Stan K5GO

Amateur radio can be a pass time like playing solitaire on a computer. 
It can be a hobby like building a model airplane....or it can be a game
like any sport or activity that may involve more than one player.  While
some may play games just for the fun of it or to get some exercise,
most people keep score and compare to others - golf, bowling,
volleyball, monopoly, football, basketball, baseball, bridge, etc. The
list goes on forever and in every case you are trying to beat someone or
everyone.



Contests are similar to any other activity in which most people keep
score.  You may try to beat your own previous performance, beat someone
in your area or compete for the top ten or overall win.  You choose your
level of competition and make it just within reach on a good day. 
Wanting to do your best, in addition to improving your operator skills,
you can also have fun doing what you can to make your station as
efficient as possible and see the results of your work.  This is an area
where amateur radio is unlike many of the other sports.  You can buy a
new bowling ball or a new deck of cards or a new set of clubs, but for
the most part there is little improvement that can come as a result of
better infrastructure.  Better infrastructure coupled with improved
skills makes a huge difference in results and is quite rewarding in
sense of accomplishment.



If someone has any interest in counting countries, states, counties,
etc, they will want to operate contests to build those numbers.  As for
the  underlying purpose of amateur radio, observe the non contest
operator at FD passing traffic versus a top notch contester and evaluate
what the difference would be in case of an emergency.



73...Stan, K5GO

A contest Excel file for planning and watching your stats over the year from Ve1za

here is the file, this thing is pretty sweet

steve

http://qsl.net/ve1za/Projects/VE1ZA%202015%20Contest%20Dashboard%20-%20V2.xls

Cheers!
KG5VK

Very Short Video of K5SL's s meter while listening to the back side of my Vee Beam on 40m

K5SL de KG5VK in North Texas
Thanks Randy !

Ham Radio at Area 57 the journey begins

As we start building our new place in North Texas
on 57 acres of land, affectionally named Area 57

I thought I would post some images of our progress

 My very first antenna at the new QTH,  A Vee Beam feed point about 35 feet above the ground with very long legs (aprox 8 wave lengths long on 20m)

 Closer look at the feed point,  fed with ladder line to the balanced input on the back of an antenna tuner

How's it work pretty darn well, I will post more info soon.
Cheers!
steve

Logging contacts during ARRL FD with N1MM+

The Movie showing N1MM + basics used during ARRL FD

by the way ARRL FD this year is the 27 & 28th of June
K5SAR operation at KG5VK's QTH will QRT at Noon on Sunday.

Cheers!
steve
KG5VK

K1DG and N0AX are inducted in to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame !!!

The 2015 inductees to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame are:

Doug Grant, K1DG - is
not only a world-class contester, but has not hesitated to share his
knowledge and skills with others. He has built or helped to build
several championship contest stations, is a founding member of the
Yankee Clipper Contest Club, a founding director of the World Wide Radio
Operators Foundation, is a regular instructor at Contest University and
has run the Contest Forum at the Dayton Hamvention® for the past 20
years. In addition, Doug has competed in five World Radiosport Team
Championships (WRTCs), and has medaled three times.

Ward Silver, N0AX -
has been a contester for over four decades and has operated from some
of the world's top contest stations, spanning four continents. A founder
of the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) competitions in 1990,
Ward is currently Secretary of the WRTC Sanctioning Committee. He is
also president of the YASME Foundation, which supports DXpeditions and
contest operations around the world, QST contesting editor and author of
Ham Radio for Dummies and Circuitbuilding Do-It-Yourself for Dummies.

I know Ward really well, went to High School with him
I know Doug as well, went on the Ti5N contest expedition with him
Congrats to both of them !

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

Wow what a close race between the W5RU team and the W6YI team in November 2014 ARRL SS Phone

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ContestResults/2014/2014ARRLNovPhoneSweepstakes-FullResultsVersion1_0.pdf

Awesome writeup by Steve London N2IC

Who was the first to earn a Clean Sweep this year?
That honor goes to team W5RU who made the sweep in the

Multioperator, High Power category at 0024Z. This is the

same team that made the first Sweep last year, using the

call sign KG5VK. Their last section? Virgin Islands.

 

Multioperator, High Power (MH)

72 teams competed in the Multioperator, High Power

category. 13 new section records and 4 new division

records were set. This year, there was a close battle

between the W6YI team (K6AM, N6AN, N6KI,

W2PWS, W6YI) in San Diego and the W5RU team

(KN5O, K1DW, K5ER, W5WZ, KG5VK) in Louisiana.

When the dust settled, team W6YI emerged victorious by

a mere 14 QSOs. 

 

Note: Team W5RU also set new division and section records - KG5VK

 

HFTA assistance from stu on getting an HFTA plot done

Web Site of the Week - Stu K6TU has automated the process of generating terrain profiles for use with N6BV's HF Terrain Analysis (HFTA) program. To support HFTA's modeling, a user must first obtain a terrain profile which describes the height of terrain around the antenna location. This process is cumbersome and time consuming as the source of the data must be located, downloaded, then processed with MicroDEM. Terrain Profile Requests are available to any user with a registered account on K6TU.NET at no charge and no subscription to Stu's propagation prediction service is necessary. Stu's site maintains copies of both the USGS National Elevation Dataset (for the United States) and the NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission dataset enabling fast turnaround of requests.

EP6T Iran DXpedition (Kish Island - AS-166) | Southgate Amateur Radio News

EP6T Iran DXpedition (Kish Island - AS-166) | Southgate Amateur Radio News

An Introduction To The DXLab Suite | Our HAM Station

An Introduction To The DXLab Suite | Our HAM Station

N1MM & Morse Runner » PA1T

N1MM & Morse Runner » PA1T



Learn how to set up an awesome training or CW contest simulator

following the steps at PA1T's website



here are the steps from his website........



English instruction.

This is an instruction how to connect N1MM and Morse Runner together
with a hotkey program made by Don K7OG. Now you can practice cw
contesting in a real contest environment.

You have to install 3 programs.

1 N1MM

2 Morserunner

3 Hotkey

N1MM logger

Go to www.n1mm.com

Go to download (full installer) en download N1MM and install it.

You then have to install the latest version of the logger.

Morse runner

Go to http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/ and download morse runner (is located at download)

Install the program.

Hotkey script

Go to  http://k7og.net/?p=90 download here “n1mm to Morse Runner connection exe version”

Be sure to take the exe version.

Hotkey script

Go to  http://k7og.net/?p=90 download here “n1mm to Morse Runner connection exe version”

You may copy this file where you want. You have to unzip it. because it is a zip file.

Run the programs

Start N1MM and go to files. Open a new database and give it a name maybe Morserunnertrainer.

Go again to files and open a new log in the data base and choose cqww wpxcw. This is your only choice otherwise it will not run.

Start het Hotkey program.

Start Morse Runner and start it with Run

Type  CW in the entry window of N1MM because N1MM has to know it is cw.

Push now F1 in n1mm (only on the keyboard and N1MM logger gives CQ  and  Morse Runner will answer..

Good luck.

CQWW 2014

CQWW 2014



http://4o3a.com/index.php/4o3a-station/stories/cqww-2014



Wow this is some serious stuff !!!



cheers!

steve

DF3CB.com :: Software :: Fast Log Entry (FLE) paper Log to ADIF Tool set

DF3CB.com :: Software :: Fast Log Entry (FLE)

Amateur Radio Contesting FAQ

Not everyone knows everything about contesting in Ham Radio the day they become a contest op

here is a good resource on everything about contesting

To me the bottom line is to have fun !!!

Cheers!

steve

KG5VK



Amateur Radio Contesting FAQ



http://www.qsl.net/zs1an/contesting_faq.html

N1MM+ Beta Testing A Note from The N1MM+ development Team

Since we began the public beta test of N1MM Logger+, over 1000 people
have downloaded the Full Installer, but only about 300 of those are
keeping up with the daily updates, and only about 370 have joined the
N1MMLoggerPlus e-mail group on Yahoo.



Two requests:



If you want to help us test N1MM+, please join the Yahoo group.  It's
the only public channel for discussion of the new program, and if you want
to help us test you have to be there.



Please stay current.  We are updating pretty much every day. As you can
imagine, something that was reported yesterday may well have been fixed
in today's update.  If you report something that has already been fixed,
it's a big waste of time for everyone involved.



Thanks and 73,



The N1MM Development Team

N1MM Logger Website | N1MM Plus Open Beta

N1MM Logger Website | N1MM Plus Open Beta


Please keep in mind downlaods will be "Throttled"

so Tom's server will not die :)

Reminder this is still a BETA version !!!!!

Please, please, please read the FAQ file

before posting any questions on the N1MM email reflector


However when you post a questions many of the team members are monitoring and will strive to answer questions fast and accurately, but once again you can help by reading the FAQ files as your answer may already be there


Last full N1MM (before +) were downloaded over 14 thousand times

so this is going to wild answering every single question if no one reads the FAQ files first.

Below is a Note from Tom....

• When you begin testing, please wait one full day before asking your first question on the reflector. Take the time to look at the manual on the website, and at the N1MM Logger Plus Yahoo group archive. You’ll also find that the N1MM Plus website's Search function has been much improved – please give it a try.

Cheers!

steve

KG5VK

What a dif a year makes....NAQSOP 2013 versus 2014 at KG5VK

Of course not near as much time in the chair but not sure it would have made the dif as it looks like from these graphs I lost a lot of q's with 10 and 15 not being "useable" this year......

 

Twice ops asked to move me to 15m
we had no joy (could not hear each other)
I tried CQ on 10m several times and looked at the bands (10&15)
with a band scope numerous times
Did I miss a short opening or was it this way for everyone ?
KG5VK

QSO/SWL real time maps - W2LN - ALH

QSO/SWL real time maps - W2LN - ALH

Side by side Graphical comparision of Stations in CQWW Graphic Analy

LogQso Home

N1MM Logger Website | What's New in N1MM Logger Plus

N1MM Logger Website | What's New in N1MM Logger Plus

WRTC2014 Receives Colvin Award Grant

WRTC2014 PRESS RELEASE #24 http://www.wrtc2014.org/wrtc2014-receives-colvin-award-grant/ Windham, NH March 31, 2014 WRTC2014 Receives Colvin Award Grant This is very well deserved, many amateurs around the world have worked long and hard for WRTC 2014 to come together and shine, esp the amateurs on the east coast Congrats ! steve KG5VK

▶ SSB PILE UP Trainer by Chris HB9ELV Vogt

▶ SSB PILE UP Trainer by Chris HB9ELV Vogt

B&B Cyber Software - CyberDX-CW

B&B Cyber Software - CyberDX-CW

Which Contest Software is the right one to use.....

Experienced ops are using N1MM here is an interesting chart http://ly2kz.blogspot.fi/2013/05/populiariausi-contest-logeriai.html Cheers! steve KG5VK

DXlite from Michael the author of ClubLog

very handy for seeing spots on your smart phone without bloated graphics !! http://dxlite.g7vjr.org/?refresh=1 Thanks to Michael steve

ClubLog OverView a PowerPoint presenation

ClubLog OverView a PowerPoint presenation - Google Drive

Toolmonger | All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds.

Toolmonger | All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds.

SARA ARRL Field Day

We had another successful ARRL FD for SARA at my home
this past week-end, by almost everyone's account that came it was fun and the right blend of contesting and fellowship.

However I am disheartened by the feedback of more than one member of our organization, that they did not come or did not operate because they were intimidated or did not want to let anyone down because they are not a contest op.

This frustrates me.....

Because anyone that takes more than a few moments to get to know me
and does not assume they know me as just a contest op
knows that I will go out of my way to mentor OPS, especially during ARRL FD

To me FD is the right time to pull up a chair and learn
I have coached more than a few and many many years ago I had the most rewarding experience of any ARRL FD

when I assisted a blind OP to work hundreds of stations during several hours on the air together, that was not here in Shreveport, but was while I was in West Texas

Last year Marcel and one of the others tutored another young op
I do not recall the specifics
However I do know that it was rewarding exp for everyone involved

I think that word (a verb) Involved is the key
if you want to be a part of something it takes YOU to be involved

If you did not operate it is YOUR fault for not taking some initiative
if you would rather SARA has FD in the park in the HOT weather and you will feel more comfy working a few stations then voice your opinion
at the next vote for where should SARA have Field day

MY wife and I open our home so we can all be safe indoors in the Air conditioning

Several years ago we almost lost one ham to heat stroke and we have had other close calls due to the heat

If you want to be intimated during a contest show up for ARRL SS when we will take no prisoners and are concerned about score above all else
However if you are a contest op at all
you would have a blast and be crowned a die hard contester
There is a time for mentoring, it is not when a group of OPS plan to WIN

Again I will say this as plan as I can.........
To me ARRL FD is not a we must win week-end
it is for fun, camaraderie, and learning the ropes of contesting (mentoring and learning together alongside seasoned OPS)
Some (many) show up just for Food and fellowship and that is great
Some want to learn, I applaud Any for taking the chair
it is that first step that is often the most challenging

I hear there are others that do not want to speak up
that did not even make the effort to take the chair
We can not help those learn,  that do not step forward !!!!!!!!!!!
My closest friends will tell me to just ignore those that do not want to step up, I hate ignoring anyone
and that is my frustration.
Esp when I hear After FD is over "well I would have but I did not want to let the team down by lowering the score"

Q count is a by product of having fun, on ARRL FD...

Q count during a major contest like ARRL Sweepstakes is a major deal
and if you can't hang with the big boys you can practice and begin to do so during FD and other contest

Want to learn, want to play ASK me !
But you have to ask, I can NOT read your mind.

Cheers!

Steve
KG5VK

A link from 2013 CTU On Transceivers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOf2OOGeGi8

Our HAM Station | Our notes on the construction and operation of a multi-op Amatuer Radio Station

Our HAM Station | Our notes on the construction and operation of a multi-op Amatuer Radio Station

K0RC's Log Analyzer Tools - Log Analyzers

Dropbox - Log Analyzers

Reverse Beacon: ViewProp - Innovative Partner with the RBN

Reverse Beacon: ViewProp - Innovative Partner with the RBN: For those who may have missed it, ZL2HAM's ViewProp is now available free in a public beta test. Before you yawn and dismiss ViewProp a...

This is such a neat and practical application, just have to love today's technology !!!

cheers!
steve
KG5VK

This is the best written story of radio sport Every

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1002473/1/index.htm

If you want to show someone why you love radios port ask the to take a few moments and read this awesome story 

Cheers!

Steve

KG5VK

OQRS - Online QSL Requests - User Guide - Club Log Documentation

OQRS - Online QSL Requests - User Guide - Club Log Documentation