I've had some interesting 2 meter simplex contacts since I was first licensed. This year I promised myself to push the envelope a bit and put up a 2 meter beam antenna. I bought a used tower, which I hope to get up once covid restrictions are lifted and the weather warms, so have now purchased the 2 meter beam as well. The real fun of radio for me is trying new things.

Here's someone who, like me, likes to see how far he can get on 2 meter simplex. Aside from being fun, I think it would be great to establish a 2 meter simplex net. If the repeaters are down we can still talk simplex. If you like the idea send me a private message and we can get something going.

Got a couple of ferrite items from Palomar Engineers.  They included a useful tip sheet on combatting RFI.  It may be useful if you have an RFI problem to beat.  Scanned copy attached. 
73
Dave, VE3WI

Attached Files

  RFI.pdf (Size: 80.22 KB / Downloads: 11)

The embedded link will take you to an article which describes how a casino was hacked using an network / internet connected fish tank thermometer. It's not a joke, in spite of some obvious potential references to something fishy going on the network. However, the hackers made off with a database fully of names and information which should have been private and well secured.

What, you might ask, is the point of posting this story here? Simply put, this story exposes one of the many risks internet security experts must deal with when trying to maintain not only data, but also critical systems. The evolution of the IoT (The Internet of Things) technology can potentially make it easier to monitor and control various devices remotely. As an example of this, our propane tanks have an IoT transmitter that alerts the company when we run low on gas. This then allows them to schedule a fill up. We never have to manually check the tanks or call the company.

Such devices make life easier and more efficient, but they also, as was illustrated by the casino hack attack, offer a backdoor into an otherwise secure system. If then a casino database can be hacked, such an attack could be used to gain critical security information on things like controls for the North American Power Grid. Even a remarkably small point of entry could provide hackers with the ability to do enormous harm.

For those who dismiss the potential danger of  a cyber attack on the power grid, this story should at least give reason for a second thought. In today's connected world, a keyboard could be the most powerful weapon ever used in warfare. Put another way, if fish thermometers are vulnerable, so to might be virtually any system which can be accessed via the internet.

Casino Fish Tank Thermometer Hacked

The net was long at 90 minutes, however it was very enjoyable on this end.  Please give consideration to volunteering for net control duties.  I understand that net control is not for everyone, and therefore you can help by offering up topics for discussion during the net on this forum.  Thank you fellow club members, although I am a new ham and club member, it is great to see the participation on our Wednesday night net.  Stats for check ins - 15 check ins on 2m and another 15 on HF, see below.  Thanks to VA3EZN - Jim for kicking us off and wrapping us up...

Attached Files

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This video has some exceptionally valuable information regarding local EmComm operations. Once again I believe this is really important information as a conversation starter, if nothing else. However, what really caught my attention is the community service aspect of this video as related to moving into a more flexible response to community needs in emergencies. For me this goes directly to the need for reliable repeaters, well established and well developed simplex nets, should repeaters fail and ad-hoc 2 meter digital networks based on software like D-RATS.

Emergency operations rely on off-grid capabilities. Field day operations theoretically prepare operators for emergency communications. The object of the exercise is to get us out of the shack and prepared to operate from anywhere. This video is about a group of operators who wanted to get way out of the shack. While this might not be the kind of operation field day planners had in mind It proves a key point about emergency communications. Planning is everything. This is a long but very interesting video, I hope you will take time to watch it and perhaps discuss at some future date.

This is an excellent short video on the basics of common inexpensive solar charge controllers. Solar panels or blankets in combination with lightweight LiFePo (Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are very popular methods of powering radios in the field. However making the right choice of gear is essential so, when it comes to solar power, information is key to success.




Getting into solar - off-grid operations can be relatively inexpensive, especially when using the Chinese made solar charge controllers. However, after a lot of investigation I decided to buy a Redarc charge controller in our truck, the Ruby Red Radio Ranger. This charger is made in Australia and designed for use by people that routinely take vehicles into the "outback".

Redarc chargers are made to be reliable and relatively fool proof. This is a good thing for operators like me who can occasionally lapse into extreme foolishness. A correctly installed Redarc charge controller protects the auxiliary (radio) battery as well as the vehicle battery and charging system. The fact that it auto recognizes the input charge source and voltage as well as the charge state of attached batteries simplifies operation and allows one to focus on operating not all the technical details of power supply.

If you already know about MPT and MPPT charge controllers, and are serious about off-grid operations, give the Redarc at look. There is considerable sticker shock if you want to buy one, but in my opinion the cost is worth it. 

Here's the video link

There is a division in the HAM radio community over digital modes. Some argue that only CW qualifies as a digital mode. In this view new digital modes like FT8, which have become popular, are just novelties and not "real radio" . In fact I've been witness to some rather passionate even angry discussions on the subject.

Being new to the hobby I have no preexisting bias towards any mode. As someone who likes innovation I thought modes like FT8 were just fun. The fact that such a new mode would stir controversy took me by surprise. As a recently minted HAM, operating for only three years now, I've done a good deal of FT8 and other digital modes, I'd like to inject my own point of view on the subject of digital modes from that perspective.

I am somewhat hearing impaired. I'm not deaf, but I do find that during using phones can be a challenge at times. I like the fact that digital modes offer me a way to communicate which is more visual. In addition, as someone in my 70's I find learning Morse to be challenging. I've had a go at it but don't retain it well. I know practice would help but I'm finding that, my retirement projects are rather demanding so I have to prioritize my time. Understanding as I do that I'm in a period of life which time is more precious, I need to carefully choose those things on which I focus.

The primary objection to FT8 issue seems to be that it's mechanical, automated and informal. All those things are true to a certain point but not without exception and some qualification. As I see it, contesting is also pretty informal no matter which mode is being used. Contesting is certainly not done to develop personal relationships with other operators. In that regard FT8 might be seen as something like a daily contest. The intent of using it is not to make long lasting personal contacts. It's just a fun mode which allows one to use low power while contacting stations all over the globe quickly and with some ease. After all, isn't this hobby supposed to be fun?

I accept that FT8 is more automated than other modes. It is true that the software does a good deal of the heavy lifting when it comes to decoding signals but it is far from being automated. The software does require user input in some key areas of operation. The brain does factor into the equation and there is a decision making process involved in chasing a station in a certain desirable grid square. Understanding the fine points of propagation, output power and antenna orientation are all important in the use of FT8 or any other digital mode. Hearing another station does not guarantee they can also hear you. In that regard FT8 really does require that you "work" a station you might wish to add to your log. The efficiency of the software at digging out weak stations from the noise is it's strong suite but that alone does not guarantee success.

FT8 operations might require keeping a note pad and jotting down certain stations you want to watch for. Some stations will pop up again at a different time of day or on a different band offering another opportunity to work them. Just like contesting, some stations get "pile ups" and so are harder to work than others. Once again, this process requires some thought and planning, so it is hardly a matter of set it and forget it. Real effort is required and a fair bit of diligence to work certain areas when the propagation can be uncooperative.

However FT8 is far from the only digital mode, although it is the one which seems to get the most attention. I've also developed a fondness for PSK-31 and 63. Technically these modes are now called BPSK-31 or 63, but they are functionally the same. The added B stands for "Binary" which apparently makes these modes more stable during unstable conditions.

PSK offers keyboard to keyboard chats. These QSO's can be very long, and detailed rag chews and a lot of fun. Because digital modes are more compact a lot of QSO's can take place in a very small piece of bandwidth. Most modes offer a variety of "speeds" with higher speeds having more errors in decoding and taking more bandwidth.   parts of PSK QSO's can be captured and saved to a file for future reference and so important information shared can be retained.

Another slow digital mode is Olivia. This mode is so slow that one can get up and wander around for brief periods during a QSO depending on the speed being used. The slowness might be off putting at first but can be seen as practical when also doing other things at the same time. I've heard Olivia dubbed "the old man's mode" but I think that's and unfair description. Having the text decode slowly gives one time to provide a more carefully considered response. Olivia is just not everyone's cup of tea. Olivia does offer faster modes as well but takes much more bandwidth.

Finding English language digital QSO's can be a challenge. There always seem to be tons of European stations using various languages on the air at any moment. The secret to finding English language stations is knowing where to look and when to look. There are tons of digital conversations going on all the time on 20 at 14.070 to 14.078 and 40 meters at 7.070 and 7.078. Yes, there is an overlap with sites using FT8 or JS8 Call, however all these modes seem to cohabit those frequencies without a problem.

There is no hard fast rule about what mode is being used. Olivia likes to be in it's own little part of the band but can sometimes be found elsewhere.

The software you use for digital modes makes all the difference. Fldigi is kind of the free, cross platform, Swiss Army Knife of digital software, but it can be tricky to learn. There are other commercial and free software programs out there and some research might be needed to find those that suite your needs.

For those who have an interest here are some resources to check out.

[/url]
Olivia
[url=hflinkVE3BQM.com/olivia/]hflinkVE3BQM.com/olivia/

PSK
http://www.podxs070.com/frequently-asked...requencies

General info on PSK
https://rsgb.org/main/get-started-in-ama...low-power/

Multi-mode frequencies
https://www.qsl.net/sv1grb/psk31.htm

April is a great month for refreshing your operating skills and getting ready for Field Day in June. Weekend of April 17 & 18 is the Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day as well as the Ontario QSO Party. Canada and specially Ontario will be on the list of "to get" stations around the world. There will be no shortage of contacts to be made for any operator whether new, old, rusty or seasoned. Brush the dust off the mic or polish up your CW key or paddles. 
Since we have members living in Grey and Bruce counties, I would like to propose a challenge: Grey VS Bruce.  
  1. RAC Stations contacted
  2. Most Ontario Counties
  3. # of Qs / operator
  4. Total points per County
  5. Acknowledgement of participation  
Any other suggestions are welcome.

Links:
   OQP - http://www.va3cco.com/oqp/rules.htm
   World Amateur Radio Day - https://www.rac.ca/ward2021/

Maybe GBARC will email some official certificates to participants.